Passenger Seat Arresting Device with Locking Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The service life of spring-based arresting mechanisms in passenger seat systems is often too short, leading to temporary unusability if a mechanical defect occurs, affecting the quick reconfiguration and reliability of cabin seating arrangements in transport means like aircraft.
Innovation Solution
A passenger seat system with a resiliently mounted arresting device that uses a pressure spring for engagement but incorporates a traction mechanism and locking unit, allowing for quick and tool-free release and relocking, ensuring reliable arrestment even if the spring fails, through a combination of radial projections, locking claws, and a ring-shaped securing element.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a resiliently mounted arresting body with spring force is used for quick fastening, then the fastening mechanism is mechanically simple and enables quick reconfiguration, but the service life becomes too short due to spring mechanical defects
Solution Approach 1:
The arresting device is divided into functionally independent components: the pressure spring for engagement, the locking unit for securing, and the traction mechanism for release. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably, with the locking unit providing backup security independent of spring condition.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit acts as a preventive measure against spring failure. By providing an independent locking mechanism that engages alongside the spring, the system cushions against the harmful effect of spring mechanical defects before they can cause complete fastening failure.
2Ease of operation
If a spring-based arresting mechanism is used, then tool-free quick release is enabled, but reliability deteriorates when spring mechanical defects occur
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit serves as an intermediary security mechanism between the spring and the carrier structure. It mediates the connection by providing an additional independent path for securing the arresting body, so that spring failure does not directly compromise fastening security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the reliability parameter from spring-dependent to locking-unit-dependent by introducing the locking mechanism. The locking unit's engagement status becomes the critical parameter for fastening security, independent of spring force parameters.
3Device complexity
If solely spring force is relied upon for arrestment, then the mechanism remains simple, but redundancy is lost when spring failure occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure spring and locking unit are merged into a single integrated arresting device that performs both engagement and locking functions. This combination provides redundancy (two independent mechanisms) while maintaining relatively simple overall structure through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking unit is built in as a beforehand cushion against spring failure. This preventive component ensures that if the spring fails, the locking unit maintains the fastening, providing the required redundancy without significantly increasing complexity.
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 system provides a longer service life and redundancy by enabling reliable locking and unlocking without relying solely on the spring's force, ensuring the seat frame's secure attachment to the carrier structure, even in the event of spring failure, thus enhancing the seat's usability and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
an arresting body (26) which is coupled to the traction mechanism (58), is movable perpendicularly to the carrier structure (12), is forced by action of a pressure spring (38) into an engagement position
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger seat system for a transport means has a carrier structure which can be attached, fixedly with respect to a structure, and a seat having a seat frame displaceable and arrestable on the carrier structure, a bottom side lying on the carrier structure, and a top side holding a seat surface. The seat frame has an arresting device and has an operating unit, coupled to the arresting device. The operating unit is movable into an arresting position and an unlocking position, is coupled to a traction mechanism. The arresting device has an arresting body, coupled to the traction mechanism, is forced by action of a pressure spring into an engagement position, and can be moved by the traction mechanism into a release position and has a locking unit, coupled to the traction mechanism, locking the arresting body in the engagement position and releasing the locking by the traction mechanism.