Modular CFRP and Titanium Seat Track Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Monolithic seat tracks in aircraft or vehicles are prone to corrosion and physical degradation, requiring entire track replacement for repairs, which disrupts alignment and is time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A seat track assembly composed of separable sub-components, including an elongate titanium crown, carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange, and CFRP base, allowing for individual component replacement without disturbing the alignment of Waterline, Station, and Buttline axes, utilizing fasteners through aligned holes for secure and removable connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If a monolithic seat track is used, then structural integrity is maintained, but corrosion and physical degradation require entire track replacement which is time-consuming and disrupts alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The seat track is divided into separate modular components including a crown portion, flange portion, and base portion that can be independently replaced. This segmentation allows repair of only the degraded component rather than the entire track, significantly reducing repair time and preventing alignment disruption to adjacent tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
The degraded portion of the seat track is extracted and removed while leaving the remaining intact components in place. This extraction principle enables selective replacement of only the affected section, maintaining the alignment of Waterline, Station, and Buttline axes for adjacent tracks.
2Reliability
If a monolithic seat track is replaced entirely, then degraded components are removed, but the alignment of Waterline, Station, and Buttline axes must be re-established which is exceedingly time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seat track into replaceable modules, the system allows replacement of only the corroded or degraded components while preserving the alignment-reference portions of adjacent tracks, eliminating the need for time-consuming realignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular components are pre-manufactured with precise alignment features and connection interfaces that ensure proper positioning upon installation. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for field realignment operations.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional materials are used for seat track components, then manufacturing is simpler, but corrosion and physical degradation occur over time
Solution Approach 1:
The seat track employs composite material construction with the crown portion made from corrosion-resistant materials such as titanium or aluminum alloys, and the base portion made from carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP). This composite approach provides superior corrosion resistance and durability while maintaining manufacturability through specialized fabrication processes.
Solution Approach 2:
Different materials are applied to different portions of the seat track based on their specific functional requirements and exposure to degradation. The crown portion uses materials optimized for seat mounting durability, while the base portion uses CFRP for corrosion resistance, creating local optimization of material properties.
Data Source
AI summary
A seat track assembly is disclosed. The seat track assembly includes an elongate titanium crown, an elongate carbon-fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) flange, and an elongate CFRP base. The elongate titanium crown is configured to removably secure a plurality of seats to the seat track assembly. The elongate CFRP flange is configured to support the elongate titanium crown. The elongate CFRP base has a top, two sidewalls extending vertically from opposing sides of the top, and two bottom flanges each extending laterally outward from a corresponding sidewall of the two sidewalls. A fastener is insertable through aligned holes defined by the elongate titanium crown, the elongate CFRP flange, and the elongate CFRP base to mechanically fasten the elongate titanium crown, the elongate CFRP flange, and the elongate CFRP base to each other.