Friction Stop Device for Controlled Seat Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat deployment mechanisms, such as those in aircraft, buses, and trains, often cause objects to fall abruptly when transitioning from a deployed to a stowed position, risking injury or damage.
Innovation Solution
A deployment apparatus featuring a hinge assembly with a friction stop device that provides a predetermined torque to maintain the deployment object at a raised deployed position, utilizing a friction portion pressed against the pivot of the deployment arm, combined with Belleville washers and set screws to adjust compression, and a mechanical lockout for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is used to hold the deployment object, then the object can be maintained in a deployed position, but the object falls abruptly when released causing injury or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The friction stop device provides beforehand cushioning by creating friction resistance against the pivot of the deployment arm before the object can fall abruptly. This friction portion is positioned to engage the pivot and provide a predetermined torque that slows down the deployment object's movement, cushioning the transition and preventing sudden drops that could cause injury or damage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If friction is applied to control the deployment object, then sudden movement is prevented, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The friction stop device is merged with the hinge assembly, combining the friction-based torque control function with the existing hinge structure. The friction portion integrates with the pivot mechanism, eliminating the need for separate complex control systems while providing the necessary friction resistance to prevent sudden movement of the deployment object.
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 solution effectively prevents sudden movement of the deployment object during stowage, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of injury or damage by maintaining the object in a controlled, stable position.
Implementation Method 1
a friction portion configured to be pressed against a lateral surface of the pivot of the deployment arm such that the friction portion provides a predetermined torque
Implementation Method 2
one or more Belleville washers configured to maintain a compression load on the friction portion
Data Source
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AI summary
Deployment apparatus (10) including a deployment object (12), a deployment arm (16) with a first end (22) coupled to the deployment object and a second end (24) having a pivot (26), and a hinge assembly (18) rotatably attached to the pivot of the deployment arm. The hinge assembly (18) includes an enclosure (44) and a friction stop device (82) disposed within the enclosure such that the friction stop device includes a friction portion (80) configured to be pressed against a lateral surface of the pivot (26) of the deployment arm such that the friction portion provides a predetermined torque. The predetermined torque may be calculated based on maintaining a deployed angle of the deployment arm (16) such that the deployment object (12) is held in a raised deployed position.