Aircraft Seat Cable Release Mechanism for Gas Spring Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mechanical cable release mechanisms for locking gas springs in aircraft seats lack a compact and flexible solution for passenger-controlled recline mechanisms, as they often require complex routing of cables and lack efficient electronic control systems.
Innovation Solution
A cable release mechanism actuated by an electric motor and triggered by an electronic switch, which includes a windlass-connected cable within a stationary sheath, allowing for compact and flexible operation, with options for mechanical or capacitive switches for passenger-controlled seat back recline.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical cable release mechanism is used for locking gas spring, then reliability and simplicity are improved, but cable routing complexity and device size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cable release mechanism with an electronic motor-driven system. The motor actuates a cable through electronic control signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical cable routing while maintaining the locking function. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity and improves ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronic control system serves multiple functions: it controls the cable release mechanism, provides passenger control capabilities through various switch types (mechanical or capacitive), and enables compact integration within the seat structure. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems.
2Volume of moving object
If an electronic control system is added to the cable release mechanism, then compact size and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electronic control system with the existing cable release mechanism by integrating the motor, cable, and control electronics into a unified assembly. This consolidation achieves compact size while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces simple intermediary components such as mechanical switches or capacitive switches that interface between the passenger input and the electronic motor control. These intermediaries provide straightforward control interfaces without requiring complex electronic circuitry, thus managing overall system complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If cable routing is simplified, then ease of installation is improved, but mechanical actuation reliability may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing the mechanical cable release with an electronic motor-driven system, the patent eliminates complex cable routing requirements. The motor directly actuates the cable through a controlled mechanism, simplifying installation while maintaining or improving reliability through electronic precision control.
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 reliable, compact, and flexible passenger-controlled movement of aircraft seat backs between upright and reclined positions, reducing cable routing complexity and providing consistent actuation force while allowing for multiple input actuations.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor operatively attached to the gas spring by a cable movable by the motor to move to actuate the gas spring
Implementation Method 2
The cable is connected to a lockable gas spring and passes through a windlass rotatable by the motor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A cable release mechanism for a seat of the type having a seat bottom and a seat back adapted to be moved by a lockable gas spring between upright and reclined positions relative to the seat bottom. An electric motor is operatively attached to the gas spring by a cable movable by the motor to move the seat back between the upright and reclined positions, and a switch is electrically connected to the motor for initiating operation of the motor to move the cable. A related method is also disclosed.