Aircraft Seat Fixing Lever With Resilient Catch Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat fixing systems for aircraft seats, particularly those using a pin with resilient urging means for locking the operating lever, suffer from reliability issues due to the need for a tool to unlock the lever, which complicates the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A resilient catch mechanism, comprising a deformable strip with folded-back fixing wings and transverse stops, cooperates with holding means on the base or lever to lock and unlock the lever, allowing for easy engagement and disengagement through rotary operating means, enhancing the reliability of the locking system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin with resilient urging means is used to lock the lever, then the lever can be blocked in the active position, but a tool is required to unlock the lever which reduces reliability and increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient catch mechanism is designed to be actuated directly by the lever's movement itself. When the lever moves to the active position, the catch automatically engages with the holding means through its resilient deformation, locking the lever without requiring any additional tool or external action. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for separate locking tools while maintaining reliable locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state of the resilient strip - specifically its elastic deformation - to achieve locking and unlocking. The strip deforms elastically to allow passage over the holding means during engagement, then springs back to engage and lock. This parameter change (elastic deformation) enables the locking function to be integrated into the lever's normal operation without tools.
2Reliability
If a pin with resilient urging means is used for locking, then the lever can be blocked, but the structure becomes more complex due to the need for tool-based disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function with the lever's own movement mechanism. The resilient catch is integrated into the lever assembly and uses the lever's motion to both engage and disengage the locking mechanism. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate tool-based locking components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining secure locking through the resilient catch's engagement with the holding means.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the attachment means are movable for fitting/dismantling, then the seat can be installed and removed, but the locking mechanism requires additional tools which reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient catch mechanism enables the attachment means to be both installed and removed using only the lever itself. During installation, moving the lever to the active position causes the catch to automatically engage with the holding means, securing the seat. During removal, the same lever movement causes the catch to disengage. This self-service capability eliminates the need for additional tools, thereby improving operational efficiency while maintaining full adaptability for installation and removal operations.
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
The resilient catch mechanism provides a more reliable locking and unlocking process for the aircraft seat fixing system, improving the operational efficiency and ease of use by eliminating the need for tools to disengage the locking pin.
Implementation Method 1
the means in the form of a catch being resiliently deformable in order to allow the means in the form of a catch to pass over the holding means and engage in the locking position therewith
Data Source
AI summary
The system comprising a base (2) having attachment means (3) which are movable between a retracted position for fitting/dismantling the seat and an active position for attachment of the seat, by an operating lever (4) which is movable between a retracted fitting/dismantling position and an active position for blocking of the attachment means and which has means (6) for articulation with the base (2) and disengageable means (8) for locking the lever in the active position, is characterized in that the locking means comprise means in the form of a catch (9) which are carried by the lever or the base and are suitable for cooperation, in the active position, with holding means (10) of the base or of the lever in order to lock the lever (4) in the active position, the means in the form of a catch (9) being resiliently deformable in order to allow them to pass over the holding means (10) and engage in the locking position and to be freed therefrom under the action of rotary operating means (18).