Aircraft Seat Fixing System Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat fixing systems for aircraft seats have reliability issues with the locking mechanism, requiring a tool to unlock the lever, which can be cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A catch-based locking mechanism is introduced, where a catch on the lever or base engages with a holding rod, movable against resilient means, allowing reliable locking and disengagement through a rotary operating mechanism, facilitated by an articulation rod with an operating recess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin with resilient urging means is used to block the lever in the active position, then the lever can be locked in place, but the locking reliability is compromised and a tool is required to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The catch mechanism is designed to be self-operating through the lever's movement itself. When the lever moves to the active position, the catch automatically engages with the holding means through the action of resilient urging means, locking the lever without requiring external tools. For unlocking, the lever's movement triggers the disengagement of the catch from the holding means, enabling tool-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch acts as an intermediary element between the lever and the base. It mediates the locking and unlocking functions by engaging with the holding means on the base when the lever is in the active position, and disengaging when the lever moves to the retracted position, thereby providing reliable locking while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the hole passes through the end of the lever for tool insertion, then the lever can be unlocked, but the structure becomes more complex and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the tool-insertion hole from the design, eliminating the need for tools to unlock the lever. The catch mechanism with resilient urging means is designed to be automatically actuated by the lever's movement itself, removing the unnecessary structural element and simplifying the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and unlocking functions are made self-service through the catch mechanism. The lever's movement automatically triggers the catch to engage with or disengage from the holding means, eliminating the need for external tools and reducing structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the catch is movably mounted against resilient urging means, then the lever can be reliably locked and easily released, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the locking function, the urging function, and the release function into a single integrated catch mechanism. The catch combines the resilient urging means, the engagement surface for the holding means, and the movable mounting all in one component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable locking and easy release.
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 provides a reliable and efficient locking mechanism that ensures the lever is securely locked in the active position and easily released, enhancing the overall reliability and usability of the seat fixing system.
Implementation Method 1
the means in the form of a catch being movably mounted on the corresponding member against the urging of resilient means
Implementation Method 2
the means in the form of a catch comprise a ramped portion for passing over the holding means at the time of their engagement in the locking position
Data Source
AI summary
A fixing system for a seat, in particular an aircraft seat, comprising a base having attachment portions which are adapted to be set in an active position for attachment of the seat, by an operating lever which is movable to an active position for blocking the attachment portions, and which comprises a catch for locking the lever in the active position which is carried by the lever or the base and is adapted to cooperate with holding portions in order to lock the lever in the active position, the catch being movably mounted against the urging of resilient portions in order to allow the catch to pass over the holding portions and engage in the locking position, and to be disengaged under the action of rotary operating portions.