Dual-function seat actuator

Solution Overview

Problem

Aircraft seats with powered adjustments face challenges due to the added weight and cost of multiple actuators, which are necessary for flexible mounting, force output, and control of position and speed, while also requiring a mechanism to safely lock the seat during takeoff, landing, or turbulence.

Innovation Solution

A dual-function linear actuator system comprising a linear actuator, primary and secondary links, a floor tracking linkage, a lifter, a locking pin, and a spring, allowing for adjustable seat mechanisms in two directions and a decoupling mechanism for manual override in case of power failure, enabling safe locking without back-driving the actuator.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are used for powered seat adjustments, then flexibility in mounting, force output, and control of position and speed is improved, but weight and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in mounting and controlVSAvoidseat weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single linear actuator system. The linear actuator is coupled to a primary link that connects to a secondary link, which in turn connects to both the floor tracking linkage and the recline mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the number of actuators from multiple to one, directly addressing the weight and cost issue while maintaining adaptability through the linkage system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single linear actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the floor tracking mechanism (through the primary and secondary links) and the recline mechanism (through the decoupling cable system). This multi-functionality allows one actuator to replace what would traditionally require multiple actuators, resolving the contradiction between versatility and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple actuators are used for powered seat adjustments, then flexibility in mounting, force output, and control of position and speed is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in mounting and controlVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple actuator functions into a single linear actuator system. The linear actuator is coupled to a primary link that connects to a secondary link, which in turn connects to both the floor tracking linkage and the recline mechanism. This merging of functions reduces the number of actuators from multiple to one, directly addressing the weight and cost issue while maintaining adaptability through the linkage system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single linear actuator is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the floor tracking mechanism (through the primary and secondary links) and the recline mechanism (through the decoupling cable system). This multi-functionality allows one actuator to replace what would traditionally require multiple actuators, resolving the contradiction between versatility and weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If a decoupling mechanism is added for manual override, then reliability during power failure is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability during power failureVSAvoidactuator system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a decoupling cable as an intermediary element between the linear actuator and the recline mechanism. This cable can be manually pulled to disengage the connection, allowing manual override of the recline function when power is unavailable. The decoupling cable adds a simple mechanical intermediary that enables manual operation without significantly complicating the overall system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates a spring mechanism that automatically returns the decoupling cable to its engaged position after manual override. This self-service feature reduces the complexity by automatically resetting the system state, eliminating the need for complex reset mechanisms or additional controls.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 dual-function linear actuator system reduces weight and cost by consolidating actuation functions while ensuring safe and reliable seat locking during critical phases of flight, even in the absence of power, through manual decoupling and spring-activated mechanisms.

Implementation Method 1

a spring coupled to the lifter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS9725176B2Dual-function seat actuator

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 AMI IND INC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed herein for an aircraft seat with a dual-function linear actuator. The linear actuator may activate a first adjustable feature by moving in a first direction, and the linear actuator may activate a second adjustable feature by moving in a second direction. The linear actuator may include a decoupling mechanism. The decoupling mechanism may decouple the first adjustable feature and the second adjustable feature from the linear actuator in response to loss of power to the linear actuator.