Dual-Spring Aircraft Seat Leg Rest for Stable Direct Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft seat leg rest designs are either unstable due to single-point actuation or require complex mechanisms to distribute forces, leading to weight issues and inefficiencies in fuel consumption.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft seat leg rest design utilizing dual gas springs mounted a distance apart, allowing direct pivoting without intermediate mechanisms, which provides stability and reduces weight while maintaining or exceeding the force of a single spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spring is used to actuate the leg rest, then the device complexity is reduced, but the leg rest becomes unstable due to twisting or torsion when the spring is mounted off-center
Solution Approach 1:
The single actuation device is segmented into two separate springs that act independently on the leg rest. This segmentation allows each spring to be positioned at optimal locations without causing torsion, while collectively providing stable support. The two springs replace the single complex mechanism with simpler, distributed elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Two separate spring systems are merged to work together on the same leg rest structure. By combining the support functions of two independently positioned springs, the system achieves both stability (through distributed support points) and simplicity (by eliminating complex intermediate mechanisms).
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex mechanism is used to distribute forces from a single actuation device, then the leg rest stability is improved, but the weight increases which affects fuel consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The force distribution function is segmented from a single complex mechanism into two separate springs. Each spring independently provides force at its own mounting location, eliminating the need for complex intermediate force-distribution mechanisms and reducing overall weight while maintaining stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex intermediate mechanisms for force distribution are extracted and removed from the system. The two springs directly apply force to the leg rest without requiring additional transmission or distribution components, thereby reducing weight while achieving the same stability function.
3Device complexity
If the single spring is center mounted to the leg rest, then the device complexity is reduced, but the leg rest becomes unstable since the occupant's legs may not be balanced
Solution Approach 1:
The single center-mounted spring is segmented into two separately positioned springs. This allows the springs to be mounted at locations that provide balanced support for unbalanced leg positions, eliminating the need for complex balancing mechanisms while improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mounting locations are optimized for local conditions - each spring can be positioned to support specific regions of the leg rest based on expected leg positions. This local optimization provides balanced support without requiring the springs to be centered or synchronized by complex mechanisms.
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 gas spring system offers a stable and lightweight leg rest that balances weight reduction with increased force capacity, eliminating the need for complex balancing mechanisms and enhancing the seat's overall performance.
Implementation Method 1
Mounted in the volume of the seat frame are at least two leg rest springs which are connected to the leg rest. In one example, the springs are gas springs.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat can include a seat bottom frame having a front, a back opposite the front, and enclosing a volume. Pivotally connected to the back of the seat bottom frame can be a seat back frame and pivotally connected to the front of the seat bottom frame can be a seat leg rest. The seat leg rest has a length. Mounted in the volume of the seat frame are at least two leg rest springs which are connected to the leg rest. When the leg rest springs are actuated, the seat leg rest can be directly pivoted approximately and incrementally parallel with the seat bottom frame. The two leg rest springs are mounted a first distance apart and the first distance is less than half of the length of the leg rest.