Override Bypass Assembly for Seat Locking to Reduce Cable Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft seat locking mechanisms require a large number of cables to adjust seats in multiple directions, leading to increased weight, cost, and complexity, which affects reliability.
Innovation Solution
The override bypass assembly, comprising a cable, pulley wheel, telescoping cylinder, and biasing mechanism, minimizes part count by allowing seat adjustment in multiple directions while reducing cable complexity, using a pulley wheel to rotate the telescoping cylinder to an unlocked position and a biasing mechanism to lock it when tension is relieved.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used to adjust seats in multiple directions, then seat adjustability is improved, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple braking mechanisms (longitudinal brake, lateral brake, rotational brake) into a single integrated locking mechanism that controls all three seat adjustment directions. This merging reduces the number of separate cables needed from over 10 to just one cable, thereby reducing weight while maintaining full seat adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed as a universal system that simultaneously controls longitudinal, lateral, and rotational seat movements through a single cable-pulley assembly. The pulley wheel with its multiple arms and braking mechanisms enables one cable to perform multiple functions, reducing the overall cable count and system weight.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used to adjust seats in multiple directions, then seat adjustability is improved, but part count increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple braking functions into a single integrated locking mechanism. The pulley wheel assembly with its multiple arms (first arm, second arm, third arm) and corresponding braking mechanisms (longitudinal brake, lateral brake, rotational brake) allows one cable to control all three seat adjustment directions, significantly reducing part count.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional modules (longitudinal brake assembly, lateral brake assembly, rotational brake assembly) that are integrated around a single pulley wheel. This segmentation allows each braking function to be independently designed and maintained while sharing the common cable and pulley structure, reducing overall complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cables are used to adjust seats in multiple directions, then seat adjustability is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple cable systems into a single cable-pulley assembly, the patent reduces the number of potential failure points. Fewer cables mean fewer connection points, fewer adjustment mechanisms, and consequently higher overall system reliability while maintaining full seat adjustability through the integrated braking mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enables seat adjustment in forward, aft, lateral, and rotational directions with reduced weight and part count, enhancing reliability and cost-effectiveness by simplifying the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism operably connected to at least one of the pulley wheel and the telescoping cylinder assembly. The biasing mechanism in operation moves the telescoping cylinder to a locked position when tension applied to the cable is relieved
Data Source
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AI summary
An override bypass assembly comprises a cable and a pulley wheel operably connected to the cable. The cable in operation rotates the pulley wheel when tension is applied to the cable. The override bypass assembly also comprises a telescoping cylinder assembly operably connected to the pulley wheel. The pulley wheel in operation moves the telescoping cylinder assembly to an unlocked position. The override bypass assembly further comprises a biasing mechanism operably connected to at least one of the pulley wheel and the telescoping cylinder assembly. The biasing mechanism in operation moves the telescoping cylinder to a locked position when tension applied to the cable is relieved.