Automatic Seat Pan Tilt Using Guide Channels Instead of Linkages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Helicopter pilot seats with adjustable seat pan tilting features often utilize costly and heavy linkage mechanisms that are prone to reliability issues.
Innovation Solution
A seating assembly with a base structure featuring side panels, carrier and seat bucket channels, and a revolute joint that allows for automatic seat pan tilt adjustment using a lock assembly and energy absorbing sheet to manage load absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If linkage mechanisms are used to provide seat pan tilting feature, then seat pan tilting function is achieved, but device complexity, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tilting function from complex linkage mechanisms and implements it through a simplified guide channel system. The carrier follows a predetermined path defined by guide channels, eliminating the need for complicated mechanical linkages while achieving the same seat pan tilting effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical linkage systems with a guide channel-based mechanism. Instead of using multiple interconnected mechanical components, the system uses shaped guide channels that constrain the carrier's motion to achieve automatic tilting, reducing mechanical complexity.
2Ease of operation
If linkage mechanisms are used to provide seat pan tilting feature, then seat pan tilting function is achieved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the heavy linkage mechanisms and retains only the essential tilting function through a lightweight guide channel system. The carrier and guide channels together provide the tilting action with significantly reduced weight compared to traditional linkage mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes heavy mechanical linkages with a lighter guide channel mechanism. The shaped guide channels constrain motion to achieve tilting without requiring heavy mechanical components, thereby reducing the overall weight of the moving parts.
3Ease of operation
If linkage mechanisms are used to provide seat pan tilting feature, then seat pan tilting function is achieved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the tilting function from unreliable linkage mechanisms and implements it through a simpler guide channel system with fewer moving parts, reducing potential failure points and improving overall reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a more reliable guide channel mechanism. The guide channels provide inherent guidance and constraint, eliminating the need for multiple interconnected mechanical components that are prone to failure, thereby improving reliability.
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
Provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for seat pan tilt adjustment, accommodating various pilot sizes and absorbing impact loads, enhancing comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
an energy absorbing sheet to manage load absorption
Data Source
AI summary
A seat assembly includes a seat pan that is tilted automatically by way of a seat bucket moving up and down relative to a base structure. The seat bucket is pivotably coupled to a carrier. The carrier and the seat bucket each follow respective channels of a base structure. The movement of the seat bucket along the channel of the base structure causes the pivoting of the seat bucket relative to the carrier. The channels are shaped with an angular orientation resulting in the seat pan angle changing as the seat bucket moves up and down.