Aircraft Seat Tool-Less Fastening Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seat devices face challenges in maintaining service comfort and efficient maintenance due to complex and time-consuming processes for mounting and demounting structural components, which increases operational costs and downtime.
Innovation Solution
The aircraft seat device features tool-less mounting and demounting of structural components, including a load-bearing frame with manually actuable fastening elements and pre-assembled actuator units, allowing for quick and ergonomic assembly and disassembly without the need for additional tools, thereby reducing maintenance time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional fastening methods are used to mount structural components, then connection strength is ensured, but mounting and demounting time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system is segmented into modular components: a fastening element with a head portion and a shank portion,配合 receiving elements with corresponding features. This segmentation allows for tool-less assembly while maintaining connection strength, as each component can be independently manufactured and assembled in sequence without requiring complex tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism inverts the traditional approach by using a spring-loaded shank that pushes against a cam surface on the receiving element. Instead of requiring threaded fasteners or welds, the system uses the spring force to maintain constant pressure against the cam surface, creating a secure connection that can be assembled and disassembled by hand without tools.
2Reliability
If multiple fastening elements are used to secure structural components, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening element design incorporates multiple functions into a single component: the head portion provides bearing surface and alignment, the shank portion provides the fastening force through spring loading, and the overall geometry provides both structural support and connection functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded fastening element is designed to self-adjust and self-lock during assembly. The spring force automatically maintains constant pressure on the cam surface, and the cam geometry provides self-locking characteristics that prevent loosening under vibration and load. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional locking mechanisms or complex adjustment procedures.
3Ease of operation
If manual actuation is used for fastening elements, then tool-less operation is achieved, but actuation force requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cam surface on the receiving element features curved geometry that provides mechanical advantage during actuation. As the fastening element is inserted, the cam surface guides the shank through a curved path that leverages the spring force, reducing the manual insertion force required. The curved cam profile also ensures smooth engagement and distribution of forces during both assembly and disassembly operations.
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 enables rapid and cost-effective maintenance by allowing multiple structural components to be easily mounted and demounted, significantly reducing service time and operational expenses while ensuring secure connections through safety springs and spring pins.
Implementation Method 1
the second structural component (14) is connected to the load-bearing frame (10) by way of a spring pin (54), which is provided to be manually inserted and/or actuated
Implementation Method 2
a safety spring (112), which is provided to retain the fastening element (98) in an assembled state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on an aircraft seat device with a load-bearing frame and a plurality of structural components that are fastened at the load-bearing frame. It is proposed that at least one of the structural components is provided to be tool-lessly mounted to the load-bearing frame and/or to another structural component.