Reclinable Aircraft Seat Pivot Mechanism for Jamming Prevention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reclinable passenger seats in aircraft are prone to misalignment and jamming due to slide mechanisms, which affect their functionality and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A reclinable passenger seat design featuring a base connected to a floor structure with a seat pan frame and backrest frame that move between sitting and reclined configurations through a system of fixed and revolute pivots, with a selectively lockable pivot connection between the upper and lower backrest members, and a gas spring for enhanced motion stability and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If slide mechanisms are used for reclinable seats, then the backrest and seat pan can move between sitting and reclined configurations, but the mechanisms are prone to misalignment and jamming
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into two independent pivot connections: a first pivot connection between the seat pan and base, and a second pivot connection between the backrest and base. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single complex slide mechanism, allowing each pivot to operate independently and reducing misalignment and jamming issues.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a slide mechanism where moving parts slide within slots (prone to misalignment), the invention inverts the approach by using fixed pivot connections where parts rotate about fixed points. This inversion from sliding motion to pivoting motion eliminates the alignment problems inherent in slide mechanisms.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a complex mechanism is used to achieve simultaneous motion of backrest and seat pan, then the motion stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base structure serves multiple functions: it supports the seat pan via the first pivot connection and supports the backrest via the second pivot connection. This multi-functionality allows the base to control both components simultaneously without requiring additional complex mechanisms, achieving stable coordinated motion with minimal structure.
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
The design provides stable and comfortable motion between configurations, reducing the likelihood of misalignment and jamming, and allows for easier operation, while maintaining a linear relationship between seat pan and backrest angle variations.
Implementation Method 1
a gas spring having one end pivotally connected to the lower backrest member and to the rear end of the seat pan frame
Implementation Method 2
a seat pan frame supporting a seat pan and having a front end connected to the base via a first fixed pivot; a support arm having one end connected to the base via a second fixed pivot located aft of the first fixed pivot
Data Source
AI summary
A reclinable passenger seat including a base, a seat pan frame having a front end connected to the base via a first fixed pivot, a support arm having one end connected to the base via a second fixed pivot aft of the first fixed pivot, and a backrest frame having an upper backrest member and a lower backrest member. An opposed end of the support arm is pivotally connected to the lower backrest member at a first location spaced from the upper backrest member. A rear end of the seat pan frame is pivotally connected to the lower backrest member at a second location between the first location and the upper backrest member. The backrest frame and seat pan frame are configured to move simultaneously between a sitting configuration and a reclined configuration through pivoting motion about the fixed pivots and about the two locations.