Interlinked Plinth Attachment for Aircraft Seat Track Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial aircraft cabins often require flexible seating and furniture attachment systems that can accommodate unique seat track configurations, including executive cabins without standard seat tracks, necessitating custom seat designs and certifications.

Innovation Solution

An interlinked plinth attachment system that utilizes existing seat tracks to provide additional attachment points, featuring interlocking plinth plates and pedestals that align seats and structures at equivalent longitudinal positions, allowing for in-line seating installations and accommodating varying track spacings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If standard seat tracks are used for commercial aircraft cabins, then seating can be attached using industry standard attachment fittings, but executive cabins with custom seat track configurations require custom seat designs and new certification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating configuration flexibilityVSAvoidcustom seat design and certification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plinth assembly serves multiple functions: it attaches to standard seat tracks while providing custom lateral leg spacing, supports both commercial and executive seating configurations, and eliminates the need for custom certification by using industry standard attachment fittings. The universal design allows the same plinth to work across different aircraft types and seating arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the attachment function (plinth assembly with standard fittings) from the seat structure itself. This segmentation allows the seat to remain standard while the plinth provides the custom spacing needed for executive cabins, avoiding the need to redesign and recertify the entire seat assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If custom lateral leg spacing is provided for executive seating, then custom seat and furniture placement is enabled, but existing seat tracks with fixed lateral spacing cannot be utilized effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustom seat placementVSAvoidinstallation to existing seat tracks

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The plinth assembly is designed to attach to standard seat tracks while providing custom lateral leg spacing through its extended legs. This universal interface allows installation on existing seat tracks without modification, enabling custom executive seating arrangements using standard aircraft infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If all seats are redesigned to utilize special attachment fittings for aircraft without seat tracks, then attachment to longitudinal floor beams is enabled, but new certification is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment to floor beamsVSAvoidcertification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The plinth assembly provides a universal attachment solution that works with both seat tracks and floor beams. By using industry standard attachment fittings that are already certified, the system maintains reliability and avoids new certification requirements while still enabling attachment to various aircraft floor structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple plinth assemblies are installed on adjacent seat tracks, then additional attachment points are provided, but maintaining alignment at equivalent longitudinal positions becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple attachment pointsVSAvoidlongitudinal alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The plinth assemblies incorporate self-aligning features including interlinking elements that automatically engage with corresponding features on adjacent plinths. This self-service alignment mechanism ensures that multiple plinths installed on adjacent seat tracks automatically maintain equivalent longitudinal positions without requiring precise manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Interlinking elements serve as intermediaries between adjacent plinth assemblies, providing a mechanical connection that enforces alignment. These interlinking features act as mediators that transfer and equalize the longitudinal positioning between multiple plinths, ensuring consistent alignment across the seating arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11548645B2Interlinked plinth attachment system for aircraft seats

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 BE AEROSPACE INC

AI summary

A plinth attachment system for attachment to at least one track includes: a first plate having a first side configured for mounting to a longitudinally extending track, and a first mounting feature for mounting a first structure; and a second plate having a first side configured for mounting to the track, and a second mounting feature for mounting a second structure. When mounted on the track, at least one interlinking feature of the first side of the first plate and at least one interlinking feature of the first side of the second plate interlock at the track, and, the first mounting feature and second mounting feature are aligned at essentially equivalent longitudinal positions.