Aircraft Seat Track Fitting with Tool-Free Elastic Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft seat attachment systems fail to securely lock the seat to the track, especially under stress conditions like vibration, due to unstable locking mechanisms and the need for tools to maintain clamping force, which can lead to inadequate energy peak retention and unclear locking positions.
Innovation Solution
A seat track fitting with a stud, elastic fitting, and activation mechanism, where the elastic fitting has a U shape and an upper and lower arm connected by a resilient member, and an activation mechanism with pivotally coupled legs that transition the fitting between unloaded, unlocked, and locked positions without requiring tools for locking, ensuring secure clamping and overload prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking system with a hook and stud is used to hold the activation lever in place, then the lever can be locked in position, but the locking position becomes unstable under stress conditions like vibration and the energy peak corresponding to the clamping effect cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic locking mechanism where the activation lever can move between distinct positions (unlocked, partially locked, fully locked) rather than being fixed in a single static position. The lever's ability to pivot and engage at different points allows it to dynamically adapt to applied loads, maintaining stability under vibration and stress by shifting to more stable engagement positions when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system incorporates feedback through the lever's position-dependent engagement with the track. As loads are applied to the seat, the lever's position changes, providing feedback about the current stress state. This allows the system to automatically adjust the locking engagement to maintain stability, with the lever naturally seeking positions that provide optimal locking under current load conditions.
2Manufacturing precision
If a screw mechanism is used to move the stud or plunger vertically to create clamping action, then infinite adjustment is possible to compensate for tolerances, but a hand tool is necessary and clamping torque must be controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The activation lever serves a dual function: it both adjusts the clamping force and locks the mechanism in place. By manipulating the lever, the user simultaneously performs the adjustment and locking functions without requiring separate tools or operations. The lever's movement directly controls the stud or plunger position, providing self-contained adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for discrete parameter changes in clamping force through the lever's movement to different engagement positions. Rather than requiring continuous adjustment with a screw mechanism, the lever provides distinct clamping levels that are sufficient for the application, eliminating the need for precise torque control while maintaining effective clamping.
3Ease of operation
If the activation lever generates the clamping effect with the line of force passing through the lever, then the lever can be used for activation, but the locking system does not sufficiently secure the seat to the track under stress
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension lever rotation to a two-dimensional engagement system where the lever can engage with multiple features on the track. The lever not only rotates but also translates vertically, allowing it to engage with different locking surfaces and studs at different positions. This dimensional change enables the lever to generate both activation motion and secure locking engagement simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The activation and locking functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The same lever that generates clamping force through its line of action also performs the locking function by engaging with track features. This consolidation ensures that the clamping force generation and locking are coordinated, with the lever's position directly determining both the clamping magnitude and the locking engagement.
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
The solution provides a secure, tool-free locking mechanism that maintains clamping force without requiring tools, ensuring the seat is securely attached to the track, even under stress conditions, and allows for easy unlocking with minimal force, enhancing stability and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a locking mechanism comprising an elastic fitting (112) comprising an upper arm (116a) and a lower arm (116b) connected by a resilient member (120)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Described are seat track fittings (100) with a stud (102) having a spacer (104) separated from a lower flange (106), and a locking mechanism (110). The locking mechanism includes an elastic fitting (112) having an upper arm (116a) and a lower arm (116b) connected by a resilient member (120). An end of the upper arm and an end the lower arm are coupled to the stud, with the end of the upper arm positioned above the spacer, and the end of the lower arm positioned above the lower flange. An activation mechanism (114) is coupled to the elastic fitting to transition the seat track fitting between unloaded, unlocked, and locked positions.