Flexible Seat Mount Straps for Aircraft Partition Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cabin attendant seats in aircraft face structural challenges during dynamic events like crashes or rejected take-offs, where flexible aircraft partitions bend and increase loads on mating components, leading to potential failure.
Innovation Solution
A mount assembly with straps that can plastically deform under increased loads, featuring perforations allowing the straps to translate relative to fasteners, thereby acting as attenuation devices to protect both the seat and partition from damage during dynamic events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid mounting components are used to securely attach the seat to the partition, then the seat attachment strength is improved, but the components are more likely to fail during high-g dynamic events
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical properties of the mounting components by using plastic materials that transition from rigid to flexible under high stress. The mounting bracket and strap are made from plastic materials that maintain rigidity during normal operation but become flexible during high-g events, allowing them to bend and absorb energy without failing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite construction by combining plastic materials with metal fasteners. The plastic mounting bracket and strap provide flexibility and energy absorption, while the metal fasteners provide secure attachment. This composite approach allows the system to both securely attach the seat and survive dynamic events
2Reliability
If flexible mounting components are used to accommodate partition movement, then the reliability during dynamic events is improved, but the seat attachment strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic behavior through the plastic mounting components that change their mechanical properties based on load conditions. During normal operation, the components remain rigid to maintain secure attachment. During high-g events, the components flex and deform to absorb energy, then return to their original position, providing both strength and reliability
3Strength
If the partition structure is made more rigid to withstand dynamic loads, then the structural strength is improved, but the flexibility of the aircraft interior is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the mounting system into separate components (mounting bracket, strap, fasteners) that can independently respond to different load conditions. This allows the partition to remain flexible while the mounting components provide the necessary strength and energy absorption during dynamic events
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 mount assembly effectively absorbs and distributes dynamic loads, ensuring the cabin attendant seat remains securely attached to the aircraft partition during events exceeding 16g forces, preventing damage to both components.
Implementation Method 1
straps that can plastically deform under increased loads
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A mount assembly (128) for mounting a cabin attendant seat (100) to a support structure (140) may comprise a first strap (150a) configured to plastically deform in response to a deflection of the support structure (140). The first strap (150a) may comprise a first perforation (160), a second perforation (162), and a third perforation (164) located between the first perforation (160) and the second perforation (162). The perforations (160, 162, 164) may be configured to allow the strap (150a) to plastically deform.