Aircraft Seat Back Articulation via Single Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional deployable aircraft seats for premium classes are heavy due to actuators and articulated components, limiting the number of sleeper seats and complicating passenger adjustments for comfort.
Innovation Solution
An aircraft passenger seat with actuator-controlled components, featuring a seat back frame with a rotatable upper and lower portion, and an inner diaphragm for additional articulation, coordinated by a single motor-controlled actuator, allowing ergonomic positions and reducing weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional actuators and articulated components are used to control seat back, seat bottom, and leg rest movement, then the seat can achieve various positions for passenger comfort, but the overall weight of the aircraft seat increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple articulated components (seat back, seat bottom, leg rest) into a single integrated assembly controlled by one actuator. The seat back frame and seat bottom are coupled through articulated connections that allow coordinated movement, merging the functions of multiple components into a unified structure that reduces overall weight while maintaining position adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single actuator serves multiple functions by controlling the movement of the seat back, seat bottom, and leg rest simultaneously. This multi-functional actuator design replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate actuators, reducing weight while maintaining the ability to achieve various seat positions for passenger comfort.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple articulated elements (seatback, headrest, legrest) are used to increase passenger comfort, then more position adjustments are available, but the difficulty to adjust and find a comfortable position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control of multiple articulated elements into a single actuated system. When the actuator operates, it simultaneously adjusts the seat back, seat bottom, and leg rest in a coordinated manner, allowing passengers to find comfortable positions with a single control input rather than having to manually adjust each component separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated connections between seat back and seat bottom allow dynamic, coordinated movement of multiple components. This dynamic coupling enables the system to automatically achieve ergonomic positions through the mechanical interaction of its components, reducing the operational complexity for passengers while maintaining multiple position options.
3Reliability
If conventional heavy actuators are used for seat articulation, then reliable position control is achieved, but the number of sleeper seats that can be added to the aircraft is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple articulation functions into a single actuator, the patent significantly reduces the weight of each sleeper seat. This weight reduction allows airlines to install a greater number of sleeper seats within the same aircraft weight constraints, increasing the quantity of premium seats without compromising position control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-functional actuator that controls multiple components with a single device reduces overall system weight while maintaining reliable position control. This enables a higher density of sleeper seats to be installed in the aircraft, as each seat requires less weight for its actuation system.
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 more ergonomic passenger positions with reduced weight and simplified adjustments, enhancing comfort and increasing the number of sleeper seats that can be installed.
Implementation Method 1
The seat cushion and backrest are formed from a high density foam material that is contoured to conform to the general configuration of a human body. The contoured surfaces provide support to various portions of a passenger's body and help to distribute the passenger's weight over a large area.
Implementation Method 2
In use, the friction between the backrest 22, the seat cushion 20 and the limiting member 42 will generally be sufficient to prevent the backrest 22 from returning to its initial position.
Data Source
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AI summary
An aircraft passenger seat has a seat back including a lower portion pivotably mounted to a seat bottom and an upper portion rotatably coupled to the lower portion. The upper portion may rotate in a forward direction relative to the lower portion during articulation of the seat. An inner diaphragm may be positioned between a headrest and a set of side frame members of the upper portion and is rotatably coupled to the upper portion and lower portion to provide support for an upper back and shoulders of a seated passenger. An actuating assembly may coordinate articulation of the lower portion, the upper portion, and the inner diaphragm to permit articulation of the seat between an upright taxi takeoff and landing (TTOL) position and a reclined position and to enable the seated passenger to achieve more ergonomic postures.