Exterior Latching Seat Track with Integrated Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional seat attachment devices in passenger cabins face issues with corrosion due to interior latching sections and labor-intensive installation processes, and existing solutions either require expensive titanium or complex assembly of holding devices.

Innovation Solution

The device features exterior latching sections with integrated arms and spring-loaded teeth for easy installation, allowing for automatic guidance and locking of holding devices on seat tracks, eliminating the need for threading and reducing material costs by using lightweight aluminum with ceramic coatings for corrosion resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If interior latching sections are used in seat tracks, then positioning and fixing of holding devices is achieved, but surface protection is damaged and corrosion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning and fixing capabilityVSAvoidcorrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional design by moving the latching sections from the interior to the exterior of the seat track. The exterior latching sections protrude outward and engage with corresponding features on the holding device, eliminating the need for interior latching mechanisms that damage the protective coating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If titanium is used in the region of latching sections, then corrosion resistance is improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidseat track weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the corrosion-resistant material (titanium or titanium alloy) specifically in the latching sections where corrosion resistance is critical, while the remaining portions of the seat track can be made from lighter aluminum alloy. This localized application maintains corrosion resistance where needed while minimizing overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If holding devices are threaded onto seat tracks through interior latching sections, then installation is achieved, but labor intensity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation capabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the installation process by having holding devices slide onto the exterior of the seat track rather than being threaded through interior latching sections. The exterior latching sections engage automatically during sliding installation, eliminating complex threading operations and reducing labor intensity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Extent of automation

If exterior latching sections with integrated arms are used, then automatic mounting is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic mounting capabilityVSAvoidholding device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the arms and latching sections into a single integrated component. The arms extend from the holding device and incorporate the latching sections at their ends, allowing the holding device to be automatically guided and locked onto the seat track in a single sliding motion without requiring separate components for guidance and locking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This solution simplifies the installation process, reduces material costs, and provides a corrosion-resistant system with improved stability and durability, allowing for rapid and damage-free seat attachment and detachment.

Implementation Method 1

good accessibility is achieved for thermal spraying methods, such as e.g. plasma or HVQF, as a result of which ceramic and highly wear-resistant protective coatings such as aluminum oxide, tungsten carbide, etc. can be applied

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal spraying: Plasma Spray

Data Source

PatentEP2707285B1A device for the attachment of seats in passenger cabins, a seat track, a holding device, and a method

Publication Date: 2018.08.22 AIRBUS OPERATIONS GMBH

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AI summary

A device for the attachment of seats in passenger cabins of aeroplanes, road coaches, ships, railways, and similar, with at least one seat track, which has at least one exterior latching section, and with at least one holding device for purposes of attaching the seat to the at least one seat track. The at least one holding device has two integrated arms to engage around the latching sections and a multiplicity of teeth to fix it in position. The teeth can be moved in the vertical direction of the seat track. A seat track thermally is coated on at least some sections with exterior latching sections. A method is disclosed for the attachment of seats in passenger cabins.