Cable-Retracted Swivel Locking Pin for Stable Seat Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat adjustment systems in vehicles, particularly in aircraft, allow excessive seat movement after locking and are difficult to tighten, leading to instability and discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A swivel locking system that includes a swivel plate, a locking pin, a biasing member, and a cable mechanism, where tension applied to the cable retracts the locking pin from its aperture, allowing rotation and securing the seat in place, utilizing pulleys to align the cable and a tapered locking pin for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing seat adjustment systems are used, then the seat can be adjusted to different positions, but the seat allows excessive movement after locking and is difficult to tighten
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to be dynamically positionable between locked and unlocked states through cable tension. The biasing member provides automatic return to locked position, while the cable mechanism allows easy release. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by making the system adaptable: stable when locked, easy to release when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable tension mechanism changes the positional parameter of the locking pin. By adjusting cable tension, the locking pin moves between engaged and disengaged states with the aperture. This parameter change allows the system to transition from a stable locked state to an easily releasable state, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If existing locking mechanisms are used, then the seat can be locked in place, but excessive seat movement occurs after locking
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical locking system is replaced with a cable-tensioned locking pin system. The cable mechanism provides precise control over the locking pin's position, ensuring accurate engagement with the aperture. This substitution resolves the contradiction by providing both stability through secure locking and precision through cable-tension control.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin serves as an intermediary element between the cable mechanism and the aperture. It translates cable tension into precise positioning and secure locking. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction by ensuring both accurate engagement (precision) and stable locking (stability).
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the structure is easy to manufacture, but the mechanism cannot prevent unwanted seat swiveling
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking pin, the cable mechanism, the biasing member, and the aperture. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple processes, while their combination provides reliable swivel locking. The segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity while achieving reliable performance through component integration.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the locking pin is tightly fitted in the aperture for secure locking, then the seat is stable, but it becomes difficult to release and reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The cable acts as an intermediary force transmitter that can easily overcome the tight fit between the locking pin and aperture. By applying tension to the cable, the locking pin is pulled out of the aperture with minimal effort. This intermediary mechanism resolves the contradiction by providing easy release capability while maintaining secure locking when the cable is relaxed.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member provides self-service by automatically returning the locking pin to the locked position after release. This eliminates the need for complex return mechanisms and ensures reliable re-locking. The self-service feature resolves the contradiction by maintaining stability through automatic re-engagement while keeping the release process simple.
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 system effectively locks the seat in place, preventing unwanted swiveling and allowing precise adjustment, enhancing occupant comfort and reducing seat movement, while being easy to operate and maintain.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to bias the locking pin into the second aperture
Implementation Method 2
a first pulley aligns the cable in a first direction and a second pulley aligns the cable in a second direction, wherein the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A swivel locking system for preventing swiveling of a seat frame includes a locking pin and a series of pulleys along with a housing attached to a swivel plate. The locking pin is located in the housing and is biased to be extended downwardly through an aperture in the swivel plate and retracted from the aperture via a cable. The seat frame is able to be swiveled when the locking pin is retracted from the aperture, thereby unlocking the seat frame from a bottom support.