Aircraft Seat Mounting Rail Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat mounting systems on aircraft rails are complex, unreliable, and difficult to implement, requiring multiple handling actions, specific tools, adjustments, and lacking a safety locking indicator.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a base with a sliding nut and control lever, where the sliding nut slides between installation and blocked positions, using a longitudinal blocking piston and compressable support, with a locking mechanism that includes a spring plate and cam for secure locking and easy unlocking, allowing quick mounting, locking, and dismounting without tools or adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing blocking devices are used, then the seat can be mounted on the rail, but the blocking mechanism becomes complex and unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is divided into two independent pistons (first blocking piston and second blocking piston) that operate separately but cooperatively. Each piston has its own blocking lips that engage with corresponding notches on the rail, simplifying the overall mechanism while improving reliability through redundancy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex locking mechanism that requires multiple steps and tools, the invention uses a simple release button that triggers the pistons to automatically retract and disengage from the rail notches, making the unmounting process as simple as the mounting process
2Ease of operation
If existing mounting systems are used, then the seat can be secured to the rail, but multiple handling actions and specific tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting rail is pre-equipped with notches at regular intervals before the seat is installed. When the seat is mounted, the pistons automatically engage with these pre-positioned notches, eliminating the need for manual adjustment or alignment during installation
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting and unmounting operations are designed to be self-contained actions. The release button automatically triggers the pistons to retract and disengage, making the entire process self-serving without requiring external tools or multiple handling steps
3Reliability
If existing locking mechanisms are used, then the seat can be blocked on the rail, but no safety locking indicator is provided
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses visual indicators (such as colored flags or position indicators) that change position or color to clearly indicate whether the pistons are engaged with the rail notches. When the pistons are blocked, the indicators display a safe position, providing immediate visual confirmation of the locked state without adding mechanical complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for mounting a seat on a mounting rail. This device comprises a base that comprises a band operable for linking to a seat, a groove that can receive the sliding nut guide rail, and a longitudinal blocking piston insertable in a suitable section of the mounting rail such that the piston is restrained longitudinally, a sliding nut comprising protrusions that form lateral lips, and a guide rail insertable into the groove of the base, said sliding nut being arranged so as to slide in relation to said base when said base is releasably secured to said mounting rail with the protrusions in the rail, between an installation position and a blocked position, and a control lever hinged to the base and to the sliding nut, so as to cause said lever to move in between an open position in which the sliding nut is in its installation position and a closed position in which the sliding nut is in its blocked position.