Rail Detector Automatic Locking Mechanism for Aircraft Seats
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Unskilled individuals, such as passengers on aircraft, face difficulties in operating complex fastening devices to securely attach and move seats along aircraft rails, which affects comfort and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device with a base and two sliders that automatically adjust to fit into widened notches of the rail, using detection means to move from an open to a locked position by shape interference, allowing secure attachment and removal without manual intervention, featuring a longitudinal blocking mechanism and optional elastic and actuator-assisted mechanisms for ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex fastening device with multiple manual操作步骤 is used to attach seats to aircraft rails, then the security and reliability of the attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates making it difficult for unskilled individuals to use
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening device automatically detects the rail position and adjusts the pads to the correct locking position without requiring manual intervention from the user. The detection means senses when the device is properly positioned on the rail, and the automatic adjustment mechanism moves the pads into the narrowed notches to secure the attachment, eliminating complex manual操作步骤 while maintaining secure fastening
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary detection of the rail position before the actual fastening action occurs. The detection means identifies the correct positioning in advance, and the automatic adjustment mechanism prepares the pads for locking by moving them to the appropriate position before final attachment, ensuring both security and ease of use
2Ease of operation
If an automatic detection and adjustment mechanism is added to simplify operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex manual mechanical operations with an automatic detection and adjustment mechanism. The detection means (which could be mechanical, electrical, or optical) automatically senses rail position and triggers the adjustment mechanism, eliminating the need for users to perform multiple manual steps while adding only minimal complexity to the overall system
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means serves multiple functions: it detects the rail position, determines when proper alignment is achieved, and triggers the automatic adjustment mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving automatic operation
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
Enables unskilled individuals to easily secure and move loads, like seats, along aircraft rails by automatic alignment and locking, ensuring secure attachment and effortless detachment, enhancing user comfort and operational simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
cooperating by form interference with the upper wall at the level of a narrowed notch to block the fixing device in an elevation direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
The device (10) has first and second slides (31, 32) respectively arranged on first and second slide shafts (21, 22) of a base (20). A rail detector unit (50) automatically controls a spacer unit (40) to move each slide from an opening position in which a wide slot is registered with the each slide to a locking position, where a narrow slot is registered with the each slide in locking position. An approaching unit (60) approaches the slides so as to move each slide from the locking position toward the opening position. A blocking unit (70) longitudinally blocks the base. : An independent claim is also included for a vehicle. USE : Fastener device for fastening a load i.e. seat, to a rail in a vehicle (all claimed) i.e. aircraft. Can also be used for stowing loads e.g. freights. ADVANTAGE : The design of the fastener device enables a non-qualified individual i.e. passenger, to fasten the load to the rail, so that the occupant of the seat can move the seat from a first position to a second position in order to improve the occupant's comfort. The fastener device is automatically co-operated with the rail, without requiring intervention of an operator. The approaching units are operated to position the first and second slides in the opening position, so that the fastener device can be separated from the rail without effort by pulling on the fastener device. The fastener device ensures any type of loads to be anchored to the rail. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows an exploded perspective view of a fastener device. 10 : Fastener device 20 : Base 21, 22 : Slide shafts 31, 32 : Slides 40 : Spacer unit 50 : Rail detector unit 60 : Approaching unit 70 : Blocking unit.