Aircraft Seat Track Electrical Coupling for Fast Cabin Reconfiguration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional aircraft seating arrangements require time-consuming and complicated reconfiguration of passenger seat electrical systems due to the need to move and reattach individual wires or wire bundles when seat arrangements are adjusted, often necessitating a complete reinstallation of wiring.

Innovation Solution

A seating system with a seat track assembly and electrical distribution system that allows for modular seating configurations by using a base coupler to automatically connect seat electrical contacts with track electrical contacts, enabling seamless electrical connectivity without separate wiring during seat reconfiguration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional wiring schemes are used with individual wires or wire bundles connected to each passenger seat electrical system, then electrical connectivity can be established, but reconfiguration of seating arrangements becomes time-consuming and complicated requiring complete reinstallation of wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating arrangement reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidtime required for seating reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical distribution system is segmented into modular components: a fixed seat track assembly with electrical contacts embedded in the cabin floor, and movable base couplers with electrical contacts that attach to the seat track. This segmentation allows the electrical connection points to remain stationary while the seating modules can be reconfigured by simply detaching and reattaching base couplers, eliminating the need to move individual wires during reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base coupler acts as an intermediary component between the passenger seat module and the seat track assembly. It provides a standardized interface that mechanically secures the seat to the track while simultaneously establishing electrical connectivity through aligned electrical contacts. This intermediary mechanism enables quick reconfiguration by allowing base couplers to be detached and reattached to different positions on the seat track without disturbing the fixed electrical distribution infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional wiring schemes are used with individual wires or wire bundles, then electrical connectivity can be established, but the process becomes complicated requiring complete reinstallation of wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidwiring reconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base coupler is designed as a universal interface that combines both mechanical attachment and electrical connection functions. It can be attached to any position along the seat track and automatically establishes electrical connectivity through aligned contacts. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for separate wiring operations during reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If individual wires or wire bundles are moved during seat rearrangement, then seating configuration can be changed, but the process becomes time-consuming and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating reconfiguration speedVSAvoidtime required for wiring reinstallation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical contacts are pre-positioned and permanently installed as part of the seat track assembly during aircraft manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need to move, reconnect, or reinstall wiring during subsequent seating reconfigurations. Operators only need to detach and reattach base couplers to different positions on the pre-configured electrical distribution system, dramatically reducing reconfiguration time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The base coupler automatically establishes electrical connectivity when mechanically attached to the seat track. The electrical contacts are positioned such that the act of mechanical attachment itself creates the electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate wiring operations. This self-service mechanism allows operators to reconfigure seating without requiring specialized wiring knowledge or tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12377981B2Seating systems for aircraft and methods of arranging seating systems

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

The seating systems comprise a seat module and a seat track assembly comprising a plurality of seat-receiving regions, a seat track, and an electrical distribution system. The electrical distribution system comprises a plurality of track electrical contacts disposed along the seat track in the seat-receiving regions. The seat module comprises a base coupler configured to couple with the seat track at any seat-receiving region and a seat module electrical system having a seat electrical contact. The base coupler and the seat track are configured to position the seat electrical contact in connection with the track electrical contact of any seat-receiving region to which the base coupler is coupled. The methods comprise coupling the base coupler to a seat-receiving region, which comprises forming a connection between the seat electrical contact and the respective track electrical contact of the seat-receiving region, and providing electricity to the seat module via the electrical connection.