Multi-latch Assembly for Aircraft Tray Table Weight Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch assemblies for aircraft seat tray tables add weight, which can affect fuel efficiency and performance, as they require separate mechanisms for retaining tray tables and other components, leading to increased overall weight.
Innovation Solution
A multi-latch assembly with independently pivotable arms and shafts allows for the simultaneous retention and release of multiple deployable components, such as tray tables and secondary shelves, using a shared central axis and detent assemblies to reduce the need for multiple latch assemblies and minimize weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate latch assemblies are used for tray tables and other components, then each component can be retained independently, but the overall weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple latch assemblies into a single integrated multi-latch assembly that can retain both the tray table and secondary member independently. The first and second latch members share common components (housing, shafts, springs) while maintaining separate retention functions, thereby reducing overall weight compared to using separate latch assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-latch assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: retaining the tray table in stowed position, retaining the secondary member in stowed position, and allowing independent operation of each latch member. This universal design eliminates the need for separate dedicated latch assemblies for each component.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate latch assemblies are installed, then each component has dedicated retention, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple latch functions into a single assembly where the first and second latch members share a common housing, overlapping shafts, and coordinated spring mechanisms. This merging reduces the number of separate systems from two independent latch assemblies to one integrated unit, simplifying the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch members are arranged with nested shafts where the second shaft is received within the first shaft. This nesting arrangement allows compact integration of multiple retention mechanisms within a single housing, reducing spatial complexity and simplifying the overall structure compared to separate latch assemblies.
Data Source
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AI summary
A multi-latch assembly may be utilized, for example, in an aircraft passenger seat to hold separately deployable components such as a tray table and secondary member for separately supporting a personal entertainment device. The multi-latch assembly can include a first latch member and a second latch member. The first latch member can include a first arm. The first latch member can further include a first shaft that extends from the first arm and that is at least partially hollow. The second latch member can include a second arm. The second latch member can further include a second shaft that extends from the second arm and that is received within the first shaft of the first latch member so that the first arm and the second arm are rotatable independently of one another.