Aircraft Seat Berthing Platform Reinforcement for Self-Supporting Loads
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seat berthing platforms often fail to meet load requirements set by aviation guidelines without external support, leading to potential damage and complexities in integration and certification.
Innovation Solution
A self-supporting berthing platform system with articulated panels, a hinge reinforcement assembly, and a panel reinforcement assembly that includes pivotable and rotatable components, allowing the platform to pivot between upright and berth positions while distributing loads internally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a berthing platform is designed without external support structures, then device complexity and integration requirements are reduced, but the platform fails to meet aviation load requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The berthing platform is divided into multiple articulated panels that can independently support and distribute loads. Each panel is reinforced with internal reinforcement members that segment the load path, allowing the platform to meet load requirements without external support structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform uses an articulated mechanism with hinges that allow dynamic movement between upright and berth positions. The hinge reinforcement assembly and panel reinforcement members provide dynamic load distribution that adapts to different positions, enabling the platform to self-support while meeting aviation load requirements.
2Strength
If reinforcement structures are added to meet load requirements, then strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement members are integrated directly into the panel structures rather than being separate external components. The hinge reinforcement assembly is merged with the hinge mechanism itself, and panel reinforcement members are embedded within the panel framework, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform's own structural components serve dual purposes: the panels provide both the berthing surface and the load-bearing structure through integrated reinforcement members. The articulated mechanism itself provides structural support without requiring separate external reinforcement structures.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A self-supporting berthing platform system (200) is disclosed. The system may include a plurality of articulated panels (202) including a first panel coupled to a second panel via at least one hinge assembly (204). The plurality of articulated panels may be configured to pivot between at least one of an upright position and a berth position. The system may include a hinge reinforcement assembly (206) including a first reinforcement member and a second reinforcement member. The hinge reinforcement assembly may further include a flange. The system may include a panel reinforcement assembly (208) including a first panel reinforcement member coupled to the first panel and a portion of at least one seatback frame and a second panel reinforcement member sub-assembly coupled to the second panel. The second panel reinforcement member sub-assembly may include at least one panel leg and at least one support block.