Seat Pan Assembly Quick-Release Coupling for IFE Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current passenger seat designs require cumbersome and time-consuming processes to access and maintain in-flight entertainment equipment, as the seat pan must be unlocked and raised, hindering efficient repair and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A passenger seat design featuring a pivotally coupled seat pan assembly with a coupling retainer and locking device, allowing quick release and rotation to an open position for easier access to the IFE box, utilizing a roller/lip or pin/slot mechanism for efficient disengagement and re-engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seat pan assembly is securely locked to the seat frame, then structural stability and safety are improved, but access to the IFE box for maintenance becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate components: a coupling retainer with locking devices that can be independently operated from the seat pan assembly. This segmentation allows the seat pan to remain securely locked during normal operation while enabling quick release when maintenance is needed, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state through operable locking devices. The coupling retainer can be quickly moved from an engaged position to a disengaged position, allowing the seat pan assembly to pivot open for maintenance access. This dynamic capability enables both secure operation and easy maintenance.
2Productivity
If the seat pan assembly is designed with a quick-release mechanism, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling retainer serves multiple functions: it provides structural coupling between the seat pan assembly and seat frame, incorporates locking devices for secure attachment, and enables quick release for maintenance. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the design achieves quick-release capability without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking devices are designed to be easily operable by maintenance personnel without requiring special tools or complex procedures. The self-contained nature of the locking mechanism within the coupling retainer allows for quick engagement and disengagement, improving maintenance efficiency while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
3Area of stationary object
If the IFE box is stored underneath the seat pan, then leg room and storage space are improved, but access for repair becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is divided into separate components: a coupling retainer with locking devices that can be independently operated from the seat pan assembly. This segmentation allows the seat pan to remain securely locked during normal operation while enabling quick release when maintenance is needed, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic release state through operable locking devices. The coupling retainer can be quickly moved from an engaged position to a disengaged position, allowing the seat pan assembly to pivot open for maintenance access. This dynamic capability enables both secure operation and easy maintenance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include a passenger seat with a seat frame having at least one coupling projection and a seat pan assembly having at least one coupling retainer. The coupling retainer is configured to releasably engage the coupling projection via at least one locking device. The seat pan assembly is disengaged from the passenger seat by removing the locking device, disengaging the coupling retainer, and rotating the seat pan assembly to an open position.