Intercostal Seat Mounting for Flexible Aircraft Seat Track Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for securing flight attendant seats in commercial aircraft are limited by the need for specialized seat tracks, which are expensive and technically challenging to install, and require redesigning the seat assembly for slight adjustments, while existing hardware is complex and space-constrained.
Innovation Solution
An intercostal system with attachment bosses and passages that secure to existing seat tracks, allowing flight attendant seats to be shifted without new tracks, using offset bosses and threaded bushings for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If specialized seat tracks are installed to reposition flight attendant seats, then seat positioning flexibility is improved, but installation cost and technical difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the seat positioning function into two independent components: existing seat tracks remain in place while a separate adapter assembly with adjustable feet allows seat repositioning. This segmentation avoids the need to replace entire seat track systems, reducing installation complexity and cost while maintaining positioning flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An adapter assembly serves as an intermediary between the existing seat tracks and the flight attendant seat. This mediator component provides the adjustable positioning capability without requiring modifications to the original seat track infrastructure, thereby maintaining ease of installation while achieving positioning flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If existing seat tracks are used without modification, then installation cost is reduced, but seat repositioning capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter assembly incorporates adjustable feet with multiple openings and positioning mechanisms that allow dynamic repositioning of the flight attendant seat along the existing tracks. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple mechanical adjustments rather than fixed installations, providing repositioning flexibility at low cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter assembly serves multiple functions: it attaches to existing seat tracks, provides adjustable positioning, and secures the flight attendant seat. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve repositioning capability without requiring specialized or customized components, thereby reducing installation cost.
3Reliability
If complex hardware is used to secure seat feet to tracks, then attachment reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The design extracts the attachment function into separate, simple components: feet with openings for track engagement and an adapter body with basic fastening mechanisms. By removing complex integrated mechanisms and using simple extracted components, the system achieves reliable attachment through straightforward mechanical means rather than complicated assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanisms to secure the seat to the tracks, the design inverts the approach by using simple geometric interlocking features (openings in feet that receive track pins) combined with basic fasteners. This inverted simplicity achieves reliable attachment without complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system includes an intercostal configured to secure to a first seat track and a second seat track. The intercostal includes one or more attachment bosses configured to secure to one or more feet of a base of a seat assembly. A method includes securing an intercostal to a first seat track and a second seat track, and securing one or more feet of a base of a seat assembly to one or more attachment bosses of the intercostal.