Aircraft Seat Energy Attenuation Guides for Distributed Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current energy absorption systems in aircraft seats are expensive, require precise fabrication, and are inefficient in evenly distributing seat loads due to their localized action using small, machined parts.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an energy absorption system with a nested tongue-and-groove style fitment of two long, thin-walled, tolerance-controlled extruded parts, including a stanchion with an elongated guide channel and an elongated motion sled, coupled with an energy absorber such as a wire bender assembly to control motion and attenuate energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small, machined parts are used for energy absorption, then localized energy attenuation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases and fabrication precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple small energy absorption elements into a single continuous extruded profile. Instead of using discrete machined parts, the energy absorption geometry is integrated directly into the seat structure through extrusion, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining energy attenuation effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical machining processes with extrusion manufacturing. The energy absorption features are formed through die extrusion rather than precision machining, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and complexity while producing consistent, repeatable geometry without requiring high-precision machine tools
2Reliability
If small, machined parts are used for energy absorption, then localized energy attenuation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single extruded component, eliminating the need for separate energy absorption parts that would require machining and assembly. This integration reduces part count, simplifies manufacturing, and lowers overall production cost while maintaining energy attenuation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the manufacturing method from precision machining to extrusion processing. This parameter change in the manufacturing process significantly reduces equipment requirements, labor costs, and production time while producing the necessary energy absorption geometry through cost-effective extrusion techniques
3Reliability
If localized energy attenuation is used, then high vertical accelerations are absorbed, but seat loads are not evenly distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the energy absorption function across multiple locations within the extruded profile. The continuous extruded structure contains distributed energy attenuation features that absorb energy at multiple points simultaneously, ensuring even load distribution across the seat structure while maintaining effective deceleration protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from localized point-based energy absorption to a distributed three-dimensional energy attenuation system. The extruded profile extends through the seat structure, providing energy absorption capacity across multiple spatial dimensions and ensuring uniform load distribution throughout the seat assembly
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
This solution effectively distributes seat loads over a larger area, reducing the need for precise fabrication and lowering costs, while providing efficient energy absorption during dynamic events, thus enhancing occupant safety.
Implementation Method 1
movement of the elongated motion sled relative to the stanchion causes the wire to be pulled through the plurality of rollers thereby deforming the wire by bending the wire thereby attenuating energy
Implementation Method 2
a low friction material positioned at an interface between the elongated motion sled and the stanchion, the low friction material facilitating sliding motion between the elongated motion sled and the stanchion
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft seat assembly including stanchions defining elongated guide channels and elongated motion sleds nested in the guide channels and affixed to a seat bucket. An energy absorber implemented as a wire bender assembly is coupled between the stanchions and the motion sled. In use, the elongated guide channels guide motion of the motion sleds and the wire bender assemblies attenuate energy during a dynamic event exceeding a predetermined threshold load value. The elongated interface between the guide channels and motion sleds serve to transfer excessive loading to the seat frame thereby protecting the seat assembly from damage and the occupant from excessive lumbar spinal loads.