Electric Cable Release for Aircraft Seat Gas Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking gas spring mechanisms in aircraft seats are prone to unintentional actuation due to the stiffness of the cable and sheath, limiting routing flexibility and requiring higher actuation forces, especially in complex configurations.
Innovation Solution
An electrically actuated cable release mechanism that uses a capacitive or mechanical switch to activate a control mechanism, allowing for more flexible routing and reduced actuation force by separating the actuation intent from the mechanical action, with a compact design suitable for aircraft seating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical cable and sheath are used to actuate the locking gas spring, then the cable provides a means of mechanically releasing the lock mechanism from a remote location, but the cable and sheath are limited in routing flexibility due to stiffness and allowable bend radius
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate electrical and mechanical segments. The electrical actuator and wiring handle the control signal transmission, while the cable and sheath are only responsible for the final mechanical actuation at the locking gas spring. This segmentation allows the electrical portion to be routed flexibly while the mechanical portion maintains its reliable direct connection.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrical actuator serves as an intermediary device between the passenger's control input and the mechanical cable release mechanism. This intermediary converts electrical signals into mechanical motion, enabling flexible wiring routing while maintaining reliable mechanical actuation of the locking gas spring through the cable system.
2Ease of operation
If the cable and sheath are routed through various components to reach the control mechanism, then remote actuation is achieved, but unintentional actuation occurs through bending or kinking of the cable and sheath
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation system is segmented into an electrical control portion and a mechanical cable portion. The electrical wiring replaces the mechanical cable for the majority of the routing path, eliminating the bending and kinking issues that cause unintentional actuation. The mechanical cable is only used at the final actuation point where direct mechanical connection is necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical cable and sheath system is replaced with an electrical actuator and wiring system for the control signal transmission. This substitution eliminates the problems of cable bending, kinking, and unintentional actuation while maintaining the ability to transmit the actuation command from the control mechanism to the locking gas spring.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cable routing path is made more convoluted and complex to accommodate seat design, then remote control is achieved, but the actuation force at the button or release lever increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical cable transmission system is replaced with an electrical actuator system. This substitution eliminates the force multiplication effects that occur in convoluted mechanical cable routing, where each bend and component connection increases the required actuation force. The electrical system transmits control signals without the mechanical force losses inherent in complex cable routing.
Solution Approach 2:
An electrical actuator serves as an intermediary that decouples the control input from the mechanical actuation force requirements. The electrical wiring can be routed conveniently through the seat structure without increasing actuation force, and the electrical actuator converts this low-force electrical signal into the high-force mechanical action needed to release the locking gas spring.
4Ease of operation
If a mechanical actuator is used within reach of the passenger, then direct mechanical control is achieved, but the control mechanism requires more internal volume and creates binding or rubbing in tight quarters
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical actuator is replaced with an electrical actuator and wiring system. The electrical wiring can be routed through existing spaces and conduits in the seat structure without requiring additional internal volume. The electrical actuator can be positioned in locations that are accessible to the passenger without creating the binding and rubbing problems associated with larger mechanical actuators in tight quarters.
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 electrically actuated mechanism provides reliable and efficient control of seat adjustments with reduced actuation force and increased flexibility, optimizing both control location and mechanical performance in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The actuation mechanism may include a device configured to trigger an actuator (e.g., switching mechanism), such as a mechanical switch or capacitive switch
Data Source
AI summary
In a preferred embodiment, a mechanical cable release mechanism for actuating an adjustable feature of an aircraft passenger seat includes a driving control mechanism disposed within a seat bottom region of the passenger seat, a moveable control mechanism disposed between the seat bottom region and the adjustable feature, a mechanical cable connected at one end to the moveable control mechanism and at the other end to the driving control mechanism, and an electronic actuation mechanism configured, upon triggering, to activate the driving control mechanism to pull or push the mechanical cable, thereby actuating the moveable control mechanism.