Net Backrest Lumbar Support for Aerospace Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aerospace passenger seats face challenges in providing effective lumbar support that is lightweight, versatile, and adaptable to varying spine curvatures and seating positions, as conventional solutions often add weight, require complex adjustments, and may not suit the natural spine alignment of all passengers.
Innovation Solution
A seat frame assembly featuring a net backrest with adjustable lumbar support system using cable sets woven into the net, where tension mechanisms allow for customizable support that automatically adjusts with the seat position, eliminating the need for fasteners and minimizing weight while maintaining comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the backrest frame is designed with increased strength to account for damage and weakening from fasteners, then the structural reliability is improved, but the weight of the seat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes fasteners entirely from the backrest frame by using a net backrest that attaches to the frame without requiring any fastening elements. The net backrest is stretched over the frame and secured at the edges, eliminating the need for screws, rivets, or other fasteners that would damage or weaken the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a net backrest made of flexible material that stretches over the frame structure. This thin film approach allows the frame to maintain its structural integrity without fasteners, as the net simply drapes over and is secured at the perimeter, avoiding any penetration or attachment points on the frame itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lumbar support systems (blow-up pillows, movable cushions, bending plates) are added to accommodate different spine curves, then the adaptability is improved, but the weight and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable cable sets within the net backrest that can be tensioned or relaxed to create varying lumbar support profiles. These cables can be dynamically adjusted to match different spine curvatures and seating positions, providing adaptability without requiring heavy mechanical components or inflatable structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar support characteristics are modified by changing the tension parameters of the cable sets. By adjusting the tension in specific cable regions, the net backrest can be configured to support different lumbar curvature requirements, achieving versatility through parameter adjustment rather than through multiple physical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical and electrical devices are added to adjust lumbar support for different seat positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cable sets are configured to automatically adjust with changes in seat position. As the seat back reclines or uprights, the cable tensions naturally shift to maintain appropriate lumbar support, eliminating the need for manual or automated adjustment mechanisms. The system serves itself by leveraging the mechanical relationship between seat position and cable tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The lumbar support adjustment function is merged with the seat position mechanism itself. The same structural movements that change seat position also automatically adjust the lumbar support configuration through the cable tension changes, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system without separate adjustment devices.
4Manufacturing precision
If fasteners are used to attach components to the backrest frame, then the manufacturing precision and assembly reliability are improved, but the frame strength is reduced due to damage and weakening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes fasteners from the attachment system. The net backrest is attached to the frame by being stretched over the frame and secured at the edges using attachment structures that do not penetrate or damage the frame, eliminating the need for screws, rivets, welds, or other fastening methods that would compromise frame strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The net backrest functions as a flexible shell that conforms to the frame structure and is secured at its perimeter. This approach allows attachment without fasteners penetrating the frame, maintaining frame integrity while achieving secure attachment through the tension and geometry of the net itself.
Data Source
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AI summary
Passenger seat assemblies including net backrests are described. An example passenger seat assembly can include a lower frame (14) configured to support a seat bottom (36) of the passenger seat. The passenger seat assembly can also include a backrest frame (18) attached to the lower frame (14) and configured to support a backrest assembly. The backrest assembly can include a backplate (16) disposed adjacent an aft side of the backrest frame (18). The backrest assembly can also include a net material (22) attached to the backplate (16) at a first attachment location (46a) on an aft surface of the backplate (16), extending around a forward side of the backrest frame (18), and attached to the backplate (16) at a second attachment location (46b) on the aft surface.