Self-Supporting Aircraft Seat Berthing Platform with Hinge Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seat berthing platforms often fail to meet load requirements when unsupported, leading to potential damage under applied loads, and require external support structures, complicating integration and certification.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting berthing platform system with articulated panels, a hinge reinforcement assembly, and a panel reinforcement assembly, which includes a first reinforcement member coupled to a seatback frame, allowing the platform to pivot between upright and berth positions without external support, using a hinge assembly with overlapping reinforcement members and a panel frame sub-assembly for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the berthing platform is designed without external support structures, then the device complexity is reduced and integration is simplified, but the load-bearing capacity and structural strength are insufficient to meet aviation load standards
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge reinforcement assembly merges the hinge mechanism with reinforcement members that are integrated into the panel structures. The reinforcement members are coupled to both panels and to each other, creating a unified load-bearing system that eliminates the need for separate external support structures while maintaining structural integrity and meeting aviation load standards.
2Strength
If reinforcement members are added to the hinge assembly, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement system is segmented into discrete reinforcement members that are coupled to specific portions of the panels. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing and assembly, where each reinforcement member can be produced and attached independently, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while maintaining the required load-bearing capacity.
3Ease of operation
If the articulated panels are designed to pivot freely, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and structural integrity in the berthed position are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge reinforcement assembly provides dynamic support that adapts to the operational state of the panels. During pivoting operations, the reinforcement members allow free movement for ease of operation. When the panels reach the berthed position, the reinforcement members engage to provide structural stability and maintain the intended configuration, thus achieving both operational ease and positional stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A self-supporting berthing platform system is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of articulated panels including a first panel coupled to a second panel via at least one hinge assembly. The plurality of articulated panels may be configured to pivot between at least one of an upright position and a berth position. The system may include a hinge reinforcement assembly including a first reinforcement member and a second reinforcement member. The hinge reinforcement assembly may further include a flange. The system may include a panel reinforcement assembly including a first panel reinforcement member coupled to the first panel and a portion of at least one seatback frame and a second panel reinforcement member sub-assembly coupled to the second panel. The second panel reinforcement member sub-assembly may include at least one panel leg and at least one support block.