Aircraft Seat Base Tracking With Infinite Adjustment and Hidden Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft seats lack the ability to provide infinite adjustment positions for seat base tracking and expose the seat tracks, which are aesthetically undesirable.
Innovation Solution
Aircraft seat base tracking system with a translation assembly that allows frame members to track along base tubes for infinite adjustment, coupled with a telescoping shroud to hide the seat tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seat tracks are used for seat base adjustment, then the structure is simple, but the adjustment positions are limited and aesthetics are compromised due to exposed tracks
Solution Approach 1:
The tracking system is divided into two independent stages: (1) seat tracks fixed to the floor for basic positioning, and (2) a separate translation assembly with base tracking tubes mounted on the platform for infinite adjustment. This segmentation allows each stage to perform its specific function while achieving overall infinite adjustability without exposing the seat tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
A platform is introduced as an intermediary component between the seat tracks and the translation assembly. The platform is fixed to the seat tracks and serves as the mounting base for the translation assembly, which contains the base tracking tubes. This intermediary structure enables the translation assembly to operate independently while being supported by the seat tracks, achieving infinite adjustment without exposing the tracks.
2Device complexity
If seat tracks are exposed for structural simplicity, then the structure is straightforward, but aesthetics are degraded
Solution Approach 1:
The platform acts as a mediator that conceals the seat tracks by providing a solid mounting surface for the translation assembly. The translation assembly with its cylindrical base tracking tubes replaces the visual appearance of exposed linear seat tracks, improving aesthetics while maintaining structural simplicity through the platform's intermediary role.
Solution Approach 2:
The base tracking tubes are designed with a cylindrical shape and can be finished in colors or materials that match the aircraft interior or seat base, effectively camouflaging the tracking mechanism. This visual treatment transforms the appearance from industrial seat tracks to aesthetic design elements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If infinite adjustment positions are provided through translation assembly, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The infinite adjustment function is extracted from the traditional seat track system and placed into a separate translation assembly mounted on the platform. This extraction allows the translation assembly to provide infinite adjustment positions using base tracking tubes and a translation mechanism independent of the fixed seat tracks, achieving versatility without complicating the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The translation assembly introduces dynamic adjustability to the seat base position through its translation mechanism, which allows continuous movement along the base tracking tubes. This dynamic capability provides infinite adjustment positions, transforming the static seat track system into a dynamically adjustable configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
A base tracking system may include a platform couplable to a floor of an aircraft via a set of seat tracks, where the platform is fixed to one or more floor fittings coupled to the set of seat tracks when coupled to the floor of the aircraft. The base tracking system may include one or more frame members arranged proximate to the platform. The base tracking system may include one or more base tracking tubes coupled to the platform via one or more tube attachment members, where the one or more base tracking tubes are fixed to the platform. The base tracking system may include a translation assembly configured to translate the one or more frame members along a shaft of the one or more base tracking tubes to infinitely stop the base tracking system.