Integrated Composite Aircraft Seat Shell for Load-Bearing Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft seat frames made of metallic structures are heavy, costly, and complex, failing to meet load requirements and assembly efficiency while maintaining performance and safety.
Innovation Solution
A composite seat frame assembly using a single composite member integrated seat pan, seatback, and leg panel sections, reinforced with gauged ribs and structural beams, fabricated via stamping and robotic lay-up, to form a lightweight and efficient seat bench that meets aviation standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic structures are used for seat frames, then strength and load-bearing capability are improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials (carbon fiber reinforced plastic) to manufacture the seat frame, replacing traditional metallic structures. The composite material provides sufficient strength and load-bearing capability while significantly reducing weight. The seat frame is formed as a single integrated composite component through molding processes, achieving both structural integrity and weight reduction.
2Strength
If metallic structures are used for seat frames, then strength and load-bearing capability are improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate metal components into a single integrated composite seat frame. This consolidation reduces the number of parts, eliminates complex assembly operations, and simplifies manufacturing. The single-piece composite construction lowers production costs while maintaining the required strength and load-bearing capabilities.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for seat frame, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the seat pan, seatback, and leg panels into a single integrated composite frame structure. This merging reduces the part count from multiple separate metal components to one unified piece, simplifying the overall device complexity while improving assembly efficiency through reduced assembly operations.
4Weight of moving object
If composite materials are used for seat frame, then weight is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes advanced composite material parameters and molding process parameters to achieve precise fabrication. By controlling material composition, fiber orientation, and curing parameters during the molding process, the composite seat frame achieves the required manufacturing precision while maintaining weight reduction benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite seat shell may include a seat pan section and seatback section. In some instances, the composite seat shell may further include a leg panel section. The seat pan section and the seatback section may be integrated to form a seat bench. The seat bench may include a single composite member formed of one or more composite materials. A passenger load applied to the seat bench may be transferred from a seat belt shackle of the seat to a seat track on a floor via the seat bench of the composite seat shell.