Rotatable Mounting Assembly for Tool-Free Seat Reorientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for objects like vehicle or aircraft seats require complex and time-intensive processes to change the orientation, often necessitating the use of different fittings and tools, which is inefficient and laborious.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable mounting system with a first portion attached to the object and a second portion attached to the surface, allowing for easy rotation between orientations using a locking mechanism that secures the first portion relative to the second portion at predetermined angles, eliminating the need for tool-assisted fitting changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different fittings are used to change seat orientation, then the seat can be mounted in different orientations, but the process becomes complex and time-intensive requiring multiple parts and tools
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting fitting is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be rotated to different orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) and locked at each position, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fittings. The single fitting structure incorporates rotation capability and locking mechanism to achieve universal mounting orientation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fitting transitions from a static fixed-orientation design to a dynamic rotatable design. The fitting can rotate relative to the seat and the mounting surface, allowing it to adapt to different orientation requirements dynamically rather than requiring multiple static fittings for different orientations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If tools are used to undo and attach fittings for orientation changes, then the seat can be reoriented, but the process becomes laborious and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be manually operable without requiring external tools. The operator can directly engage and disengage the locking mechanism to rotate and secure the fitting at different orientations, making the system self-servicing rather than requiring tool assistance for each orientation change.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically at predetermined orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), eliminating the need for manual measurement and adjustment during orientation changes. The preliminary positioning features guide the fitting into correct orientations before locking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fittings are provided for different orientations, then orientation flexibility is achieved, but the quantity of parts and tools increases
Solution Approach 1:
One universal fitting design replaces multiple orientation-specific fittings. The single fitting type can be used for all mounting orientations through its rotation capability, reducing the variety and quantity of different fitting parts needed in the inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation capability, locking mechanism, and mounting interface are merged into a single integrated fitting assembly rather than using separate components for each function. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts and simplifies the overall mounting system.
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting system for mounting an object to a surface in two or more orientations relative to the surface, the mounting system comprising a first portion (11) configured to be attached to the object, in use, and a second portion (12) configured to be attached to the surface, in used, wherein the first portion and the second portion are rotatable relative to each other, and further comprising a locking mechanism (30) configured to lock the first portion relative to the second portion when the first portion is at a predetermined rotational position relative to the second portion.