Aircraft Seat Cushion Integrated Frame Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft seat cushions require additional fasteners and manufacturing steps to attach to the underlying seat frame, increasing part count, assembly time, weight, and cost.
Innovation Solution
A seat cushion with a layer of open cell foam for comfort and a closed cell foam core for flotation, featuring an integrated sheet-like support structure on the underside that snap fits onto the seat frame's lateral beams, eliminating the need for a separate seat pan or diaphragm and additional fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional seat cushions use separate fasteners and seat pans to attach to the seat frame, then the attachment is reliable, but the part count, assembly time, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the attachment function directly into the seat cushion by integrating support structures with engagement features (such as recesses, clips, or interlocking elements) that directly engage with the seat frame's lateral beams. This eliminates the need for separate fasteners and seat pans, reducing part count while maintaining reliable attachment through the integrated engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The seat cushion's support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the cushion, enables direct attachment to the seat frame, and eliminates the need for separate attachment components. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while ensuring reliable mounting.
2Productivity
If additional fasteners and seat pans are used to attach the seat cushion, then the attachment is secure, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the attachment mechanism directly into the seat cushion's support structure, the patent eliminates multiple assembly steps involving separate fasteners and seat pan installation. The cushion can be directly mounted to the lateral beams through its built-in engagement features, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining secure attachment.
3Weight of moving object
If conventional attachment methods with separate components are used, then the attachment is reliable, but the weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the weight of separate fasteners and seat pans by integrating the attachment function into the cushion's existing support structure. The engagement features are formed as part of the cushion's support elements, reducing overall weight while maintaining reliable attachment to the seat frame.
4Ease of manufacture
If separate fasteners and manufacturing steps are used, then the attachment is secure, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the attachment features directly into the seat cushion's support structure, the patent eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes for fasteners and seat pans. The engagement features can be formed during the cushion's primary manufacturing process, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while ensuring secure attachment.
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat cushion, such as for use in an aircraft passenger seat, including a layer of open cell foam (22) for passenger comfort, a closed cell foam core (24) for flotation and structural support, and support structure (26) positioned on the underside of the seat cushion for directly engaging underlying beams (34) of a seat frame to attach the seat cushion to the seat frame.