Elastic Strap Seat Tray Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanisms for locking folding elements, such as pivoting tablets on passenger seats, are complex to implement and do not meet safety standards for weight, size, and crash resistance, while also lacking customization options.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight and compact elastic locking system using a deformable strap with varying resistance to stretching, integrated into the seat backrest, which secures the tablet in the raised position and allows for easy deployment, while withstanding excessive forces and enabling rapid customization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a movable latch mechanism is used to lock the tablet in the raised position, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity increases and the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential locking function from the complex movable latch mechanism and implements it through a simpler elastic strap system. The elastic strap (4) is attached to the backrest and engages with the tablet (3) to provide locking, eliminating the need for complex mechanical latch components while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastic strap (4) made of flexible material to replace rigid mechanical latch components. The strap can deform elastically to engage and disengage from the tablet, providing a simpler, lighter, and less complex locking mechanism while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a movable latch mechanism is used to lock the tablet, then the locking function is achieved, but the weight of the locking system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes unnecessary mechanical components from the locking system, retaining only the essential elastic strap (4) that provides both locking and release functions. This extraction of essential functionality significantly reduces the weight compared to traditional latch mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic strap represents a simple, lightweight component that can be easily replaced if needed, contrasting with permanent, heavy mechanical latch systems. The strap's simplicity and ease of replacement contribute to weight reduction.
3Volume of moving object
If the blocking mechanism is integrated into the axis of rotation of the tablet, then the compactness is improved, but the implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking function with the existing backrest structure by attaching the elastic strap (4) to the backrest. This integration approach achieves compactness without requiring complex modifications to the tablet's axis of rotation, simplifying implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic strap system is designed to be self-contained and self-operating, requiring no complex integration with the tablet's rotation mechanism. The strap naturally engages and disengages through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex integrated mechanisms.
4Strength
If a rigid blocking mechanism is used, then the crash resistance is improved, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static rigid blocking mechanism to a dynamic elastic strap system. The strap's elasticity allows it to deform during normal operation for easy deployment, while maintaining sufficient strength to resist crash forces, thus balancing ease of operation with crash resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic strap's mechanical properties are optimized to provide different performance characteristics under different conditions: high flexibility under normal operating forces for easy deployment, and high strength under extreme crash forces for safety. This parameter optimization resolves the contradiction between ease of operation and crash resistance.
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 ensures passenger safety during crashes by maintaining the tablet in the raised position, reduces weight and size, and allows for rapid customization and personalization of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a locking device for a pivoting seat table (3), placed behind the back of the seat and intended to be used for a person placed behind the seat on which the table is located, characterised in that it comprises an elastic strap (4) intended to be fixed to the backrest (2) and to hold the tablet (3) against the backrest (2)
Data Source
Figure 1A~2B
Figure 3~5B
Figure 6A~8
AI summary
The elastic immobilizing device allows a passenger on a seat, positioned behind the seat carrying the tray and the device according to the invention, to use the tray (3) in an easy and practical manner and to avoid accidental breakage of the strap (17) which holds the tray (3), if said strap (3) is pulled accidentally or excessively. The strap (4) holding the tray (3) comprises a part that has low resistance to stretching (17) along the entire length thereof and comprises, along at least a part of the length thereof, a part that is highly resistant to stretching (18), mounted in series or in parallel with the part that has low resistance to stretching (17), said part that is highly resistant to stretching (18) being able to come into action when the part that has low resistance to stretching (17) has been stretched. Application to the seats of aircraft.