Aircraft Seat Locking With Shape Memory Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft seat devices lack an effective mechanism for locking and controlling aircraft seat elements, particularly in dining table configurations, which compromises comfort, usability, and safety, especially during crashes.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a functional unit with controllable shape memory elements that can move between positions to lock or adjust aircraft seat elements, such as a dining table, using shape memory alloys to actuate locking elements and adjust the seat's position, and integrating a non-contact sensor for intuitive control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a functional unit with shape memory elements is used to control and lock aircraft seat elements, then comfort and usability are improved through easy adjustment, but device complexity increases due to the integration of shape memory elements and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adjustment mechanisms with shape memory elements that can change their shape in response to electrical or thermal stimuli. This substitution enables easier operation through electronic or thermal control while reducing the complexity of mechanical linkages and fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The shape memory elements utilize parameter changes in their material properties (phase transitions between austenite and martensite structures) to achieve shape changes. This allows the system to control seat element positions by changing temperature or electrical parameters rather than complex mechanical adjustments.
2Reliability
If shape memory elements are used for locking aircraft seat elements, then reliability is improved through secure locking during crashes, but device complexity increases due to the integration of controllable shape memory elements
Solution Approach 1:
Traditional mechanical locking systems with multiple springs, levers, and fasteners are replaced with shape memory elements that provide locking through their inherent shape memory effect. This substitution maintains high reliability for crash conditions while significantly reducing mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs shape memory alloys as composite materials that combine structural and functional properties. These materials provide both the locking force and the memory function in a single integrated component, reducing the number of separate parts needed for reliable locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If controllable shape memory elements are integrated into the functional unit, then adaptability is improved for different positions and configurations, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shape memory elements serve multiple functions: they act as actuators for position adjustment, as locking mechanisms for securing positions, and as positioners for various configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing despite the advanced material requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances comfort and usability by allowing easy adjustment and locking of aircraft seat elements, particularly in dining table configurations, and provides enhanced safety by securing the seat during crashes and normal operation.
Implementation Method 1
The functional unit comprises at least one controllable shape memory element... the at least one shape memory element being provided for locking the aircraft seat element designed as a dining table
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an airplane seat device comprising at least one functional unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20g; 20h) which is provided at least for locking, controlling, and/or moving at least one airplane seat element (14a; 14b; 14c; 14e; 14g; 14h). The functional unit (20a; 20b; 20c; 20d; 20e; 20g; 20h) comprises at least one actuatable shape-memory element (22a, 24a, 26a, 28a; 22b, 24b, 26b; 22c; 22d; 22e; 22g; 22h, 24h).