Aircraft Seat Blocking Assembly With Toolless Armrest Fit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft passenger seat devices lack efficient and tool-free mechanisms for blocking seating areas, which complicates the process of reserving multiple adjacent seats without requiring crew intervention or tools.

Innovation Solution

A seat blocking device that connects to armrest elements via a toolless, screw-less form fit mechanism, allowing for easy mounting and dismounting by hand, featuring form fit members and support members to secure the device in place without the need for tools, and can be compactly stored when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional blocking devices are used, then seating areas can be blocked, but the process requires tools and multiple steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mountingVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking device is divided into separate modular components including support members with form-fit connection elements, allowing individual assembly steps to be simplified and performed without tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional screw-based mechanical fastening is replaced with a form-fit connection system that uses geometric interlocking shapes, eliminating the need for threading tools and simplifying the assembly process to simple insertion and engagement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If tool-based assembly methods are used, then secure connections can be achieved, but the process requires tools and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The form-fit connection geometry is pre-designed and manufactured into the support members during production, so that during assembly the secure connection is achieved simply by inserting the blocking device into the armrest without requiring any tools or additional fastening steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The form-fit connection structure is self-securing through its geometric design, where the interlocking shapes automatically provide stable attachment without requiring external tools, operators, or additional fastening operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If blocking devices are mounted on armrest elements, then seating areas can be blocked, but the mounting process is complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat blocking capabilityVSAvoidassembly ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are designed with universal form-fit connection elements that can be attached to various armrest element configurations found in different aircraft seat designs, allowing the same blocking device to adapt to multiple mounting locations and aircraft types without requiring tool-based assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking device is segmented into support members that can be independently attached to armrest elements using simple form-fit connections, allowing flexible configuration and easy assembly without complex tool-based procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9162767B2Aircraft passenger seat device

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 RECARO AIRCRAFT SEATING GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

An aircraft passenger seat device comprises an aircraft passenger seat with at least one armrest element which is provided for delimiting a seating area of the aircraft passenger seat, and a seat blocking device which is provided for blocking a seating area of the aircraft passenger seat in a mounted state. The seat blocking device is designed to be connected to the at least one armrest element by a toolless form fit.