Composite Backrest Shell Structure for Lightweight Aircraft Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat devices, particularly aircraft seat devices, face challenges in achieving a balance between weight reduction, component minimization, cost reduction, and improved comfort, while maintaining durability and effective force distribution.
Innovation Solution
A seat device design featuring a backrest with a base frame comprising two lateral frame elements and a shell element that forms part of the backrest support surface, made from fiber composite materials or metallic materials, which is connected to the lateral frame elements and strategically positioned to reduce weight and enhance durability, with a covering element providing additional force absorption and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional seat device construction is used, then structural strength and durability are maintained, but weight increases and component count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell element merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: it forms the backrest support surface, connects to the lateral frame elements for force transmission, and provides structural reinforcement. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components while maintaining structural integrity and reducing overall weight.
Solution Approach 2:
The shell element is made from fiber composite materials (such as glass fibers and/or carbon fibers), which provide high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the structure to maintain or improve structural strength while significantly reducing weight compared to traditional metallic constructions.
2Reliability
If multiple components are used to ensure durability and force distribution, then structural integrity is maintained, but production costs increase and mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shell element integrates force distribution and structural support functions that would traditionally require multiple separate components. The single integrated element distributes passenger support forces across the lateral frame elements while maintaining durability, thereby reducing component count and simplifying assembly.
3Ease of operation
If deeper backrest is used, then comfort is improved, but weight increases and mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The use of fiber composite materials in the shell element enables the creation of deeper backrest structures with reduced weight. The high specific strength of composite materials allows for increased backrest depth and improved comfort without proportionally increasing the weight of the structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat device, in particular an aircraft seat device, includes a backrest having a base frame which includes two lateral frame elements, and a shell element which is connected to the lateral frame elements and at least partly forms a backrest support surface.