Seat Backrest Inertial Locking Ring for High-G Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat locking mechanisms for aircraft or vehicle seats are inadequate in automatically locking the seat backrest during rapid acceleration or deceleration, as they often require complex mechanisms or rely on external triggers, lacking a reliable inertial activation system.
Innovation Solution
An inertial locking system featuring an actuator ring with an inertial mass that rotates to actuate a locking member into a receiving slot on the seat backrest, utilizing an elastic member to maintain the seat in an unlocked position during normal conditions and automatically locking the seat backrest to the seat base during rapid movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing seat locking mechanisms are used, then the seat backrest can be locked, but they require complex mechanisms or external triggers and cannot automatically lock during rapid acceleration or deceleration
Solution Approach 1:
The inertial mass automatically actuates the locking mechanism during rapid acceleration or deceleration without requiring external triggers or complex control systems. The system serves itself by using the inertial forces generated during impact events to directly drive the locking action through the arm and locking member.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the inertial mass as a separate component that can be mechanically coupled to the actuator ring, allowing it to independently respond to acceleration events and drive the locking mechanism without requiring complex electronic sensors or control systems.
2Reliability
If an inertial locking system is implemented, then automatic locking during high-G events is achieved, but the mechanism must integrate with existing seat structures
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator ring serves multiple functions: it rotates in response to inertial mass movement during impact events, actuates the locking member through the track mechanism, and can be integrated with existing seat base structures through the boss connection, making the system versatile and adaptable to different seat designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism components are nested within the existing seat structure - the actuator ring receives a boss from the seat base, the locking member slides within the track on the actuator ring, and the arm extends from the actuator ring to connect with the inertial mass, creating a compact integrated assembly.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a locking mechanism is always engaged, then the seat backrest is secure, but it prevents necessary movement during normal operations
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions between locked and unlocked states based on acceleration events. The inertial mass naturally returns to its neutral position after impact, allowing the actuator ring to rotate back and disengage the locking member from the receiving slot, enabling normal seat adjustment after the locking event.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member is pre-loaded to maintain the unlocking condition during normal operations, keeping the locking member disengaged from the receiving slot and allowing free seat backrest movement. The elastic member only allows locking to occur when inertial forces overcome its restraining force during rapid acceleration or deceleration.
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 effectively and automatically locks the seat backrest during high-G acceleration or deceleration events, ensuring passenger safety without unnecessary locking during normal operations, using a simple and robust mechanism that integrates with existing seat structures.
Implementation Method 1
an inertial mass mechanically coupled to the arm, the inertial mass configured for moving in a forward direction and an aft direction for rotating the actuator ring
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an elastic member to maintain the seat in an unlocked position during normal conditions and automatically locking the seat backrest to the seat base during rapid movements
Data Source
AI summary
A seat backrest inertial locking system configured to lock a seat backrest in place upon rapid acceleration or deceleration of a vehicle. The locking system includes an inertial mass located on an actuation ring, the inertial mass configured to cause rotation of the actuation ring when a rapid acceleration or deceleration is experienced. Rotation of the actuation ring causes longitudinal movement of a locking member into a receiving slot disposed on a truss of the seat backrest, thereby locking the seat backrest in place.