Seat Pan Articulation Pathway With Single-Actuator Recline Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft seat designs require multiple actuators to control seat pan motion for various configurations, which can be complex and costly, and do not allow for easy customization of seat angles for passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
A seat articulation mechanism with a seat pan articulation linkage defining an articulation control pathway that allows the seat pan to move independently of the backrest, using a single actuator that extends in the upright configuration and retracts in the sleeping configuration, with a customizable pathway for different angle settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to control seat pan motion for various configurations, then the seat can achieve upright, lounge, and sleeping configurations, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A programmed pathway mechanism acts as an intermediary between the single actuator and the seat pan, translating simple actuator motion into complex seat pan trajectories. The pathway includes curved guide surfaces that convert linear actuator displacement into the desired combination of seat pan translation and rotation, eliminating the need for multiple actuators while maintaining configuration flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces a multi-actuator mechanical control system with a single actuator combined with a programmed mechanical pathway. The pathway's geometric design encodes the motion program, substituting complex electronic control of multiple actuators with a passive mechanical guidance system that automatically produces the correct seat pan motion for each configuration
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple actuators are used to control seat pan motion, then various seat configurations can be achieved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The programmed pathway serves as a cost-reducing intermediary that replaces expensive multiple actuators with a single actuator plus a statically-formed guide structure. The pathway can be manufactured as an integrated component or assembly of simple mechanical elements, significantly reducing actuator procurement and installation costs while maintaining full configuration capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables configuration changes through geometric parameter variations in the programmed pathway rather than through multiple active actuators. By designing the pathway with specific curved profiles and guide surface geometries, the system achieves multiple configurations using a single actuator, reducing both component count and manufacturing complexity
3Device complexity
If a fixed seat pan angle is used in the mechanism, then the mechanism is simpler, but the passenger comfort and preference customization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The programmed pathway is designed with dynamic geometric features that allow the seat pan angle to vary continuously during actuator motion. The pathway includes variable-curvature guide surfaces that automatically adjust the seat pan inclination angle based on the actuator's position, enabling customized lounge angles without adding complexity to the basic mechanism structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves seat pan angle customization through geometric parameter design of the programmed pathway. By varying the curvature, slope, and profile of the guide surfaces in the pathway, different target angles for the seat pan can be achieved. The pathway's geometry encodes the desired angle parameters, allowing customization through design rather than through complex active control
Data Source
AI summary
A seat articulation mechanism including a seat pan member that travels along a pathway defined in a seat articulation linkage as the entire mechanism translates between an upright and sleeping configuration through a lounge configuration. The mechanism further includes main and secondary translation linkages, one of which is driven by a single actuator to drive the mechanism between the upright and sleeping configurations.