Aircraft Cabin Seat Actuator Torque Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin seats face challenges in ensuring safety during impact phases due to insufficient rigidity and risk of gear reduction chain breakage, while existing locking mechanisms increase weight and complexity, and may not align properly due to manufacturing tolerances and passenger actions.
Innovation Solution
The cabin seat incorporates a reduction chain with a first toothed element and multiple satellites meshed with the gear element, featuring an epicyclic gear train and a pinion, which allows for reliable locking and simplified operation by distributing torque across multiple teeth, reducing the risk of breakage and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used to ensure seat rigidity during impact, then safety is improved, but the seat becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces static locking mechanisms with a dynamic brake system that engages and disengages based on operational requirements. The brake mechanism provides rigidity during critical phases (takeoff, landing) while allowing movement during normal operation, eliminating the need for complex mechanical locks and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes traditional mechanical locking mechanisms with an electro-mechanical brake system controlled by a control unit. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining the required rigidity during impact phases, as the brake can be activated electronically rather than requiring complex mechanical alignment and engagement systems.
2Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used to ensure seat rigidity, then safety is improved, but manufacturing tolerances and passenger actions prevent proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces alignment-critical mechanical locks with a brake system that applies friction forces to the wheel. This substitution eliminates alignment issues entirely, as the brake mechanism does not require precise mechanical alignment between moving parts and can accommodate manufacturing tolerances and passenger movements without failing to engage properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a control unit as an intermediary between the sensor detecting impact conditions and the brake mechanism. This control unit processes sensor signals and activates the brake appropriately, ensuring reliable engagement regardless of mechanical alignment variations. The intermediary system provides intelligent control that compensates for manufacturing tolerances and unexpected movements.
3Ease of operation
If gear reduction chains are used in actuators, then seat element movement is enabled, but the chains are at risk of breaking during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the gear reduction chains from the actuator system and replaces them with a direct-drive brake mechanism. By removing the vulnerable reduction chains, the system eliminates the risk of chain breakage during impact while maintaining the ability to move seat elements through the brake's interaction with the wheel. The brake system provides both movement capability and impact resistance without requiring fragile reduction mechanisms.
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 provides reliable locking of seat elements, reduces the risk of reduction chain breakage, lightens the seat, and simplifies its operation by distributing torque and forces across multiple teeth, enhancing safety and reducing material requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a brake, to block the rotation of the upstream shaft around its axis relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
a reduction chain, mechanically linking the upstream and output shafts so that they jointly rotate relative to the frame around their respective axes
Implementation Method 3
a motor, to drive the upstream shaft in rotation around its axis relative to the frame
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an aircraft cabin seat, comprising at least one wheel cooperating with the cabin floor for the movement of the seat and an actuator for driving the wheel in rotation around its axis.The actuator comprises: - an output shaft (22, 41), fixed in rotation about its axis with the wheel(s), - an upstream shaft, - a motor, for driving the upstream shaft in rotation, - a brake, for blocking the rotation of the upstream shaft, and - a reduction chain (50), mechanically linking the upstream and output shafts (22, 41) so that they rotate together about their respective axes. The reduction chain (50) comprises a final reduction stage (144) having a gear element (150) coaxial with the output shaft (22, 41) and fixed in rotation about its axis with the output shaft (22, 41), a first toothed element (152), and a plurality of planet gears (154, 156, 158) meshed with said first toothed element (152) and cooperating with the gear element. (150).