Seat Rail Locking Insert With Bushings for Corrosion-Resistant Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seat rails in aircraft are prone to corrosion, especially in areas where liquids are spilled, and the existing solutions, such as using titanium alloys, are costly and time-consuming to install.
Innovation Solution
A device with a base part and a locking element that can be rotated and moved along a line of protrusion, featuring a dovetail-type tip portion, is used to attach objects to a seat rail, which includes a rail main body with bushes and through-holes, allowing for rapid and secure attachment without the need for specialized tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If titanium alloy seat rails are used, then corrosion resistance is improved, but cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using titanium alloy only for the bushing component that directly contacts the locking element and is susceptible to corrosion, while the main rail body remains aluminum alloy. This localized application of corrosion-resistant material protects the critical interface area without requiring the entire rail to be expensive titanium, thus resolving the contradiction between corrosion resistance and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining aluminum alloy for the rail body with titanium alloy for the bushing. This composite approach allows the structure to benefit from both materials: the lightweight and cost-effective aluminum for the main structure, and the corrosion-resistant titanium for the critical interface component, thereby achieving reliable corrosion protection at reduced overall cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional aluminum alloy seat rails are used, then cost is reduced, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by using titanium alloy only for the bushing component that directly contacts the locking element and is susceptible to corrosion, while the main rail body remains aluminum alloy. This localized application of corrosion-resistant material protects the critical interface area without requiring the entire rail to be expensive titanium, thus resolving the contradiction between corrosion resistance and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining aluminum alloy for the rail body with titanium alloy for the bushing. This composite approach allows the structure to benefit from both materials: the lightweight and cost-effective aluminum for the main structure, and the corrosion-resistant titanium for the critical interface component, thereby achieving reliable corrosion protection at reduced overall cost.
3Reliability
If traditional locking mechanisms are used, then attachment reliability is improved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by using a rotating locking element that transitions from a parallel orientation (for easy insertion) to a perpendicular orientation (for locked engagement). This dynamic movement allows the locking element to be quickly inserted and then rotated into the locked position, combining the ease of quick installation with the reliability of secure attachment, thereby resolving the contradiction between installation time and attachment reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the curved geometry of the dovetail-shaped tip portion of the locking element that engages with the corresponding curved surface in the bushing. This curved engagement geometry provides reliable mechanical interlocking while allowing smooth rotational movement during installation, thus achieving both quick installation and secure attachment.
4Adaptability or versatility
If inserts are moved relative to rails during mounting, then adaptability is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to surface scratches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the bushing as an intermediary component between the aluminum rail and the locking element. This titanium bushing serves as a mediator that protects the aluminum rail surface from direct contact and scratching by the locking element during movement and adjustment, thereby maintaining the rail's corrosion resistance while still allowing the necessary mounting flexibility and insert movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for attaching an object to an attachment rail, particularly a seat rail, in an aircraft or spacecraft. A base part has a support surface to be placed onto an outer surface of the rail, and a locking element to partially protrude from the support surface along a line of protrusion. The base part and locking element are coupled or configured to be coupled wherein the locking element can be moved relative to the base part along the line of protrusion and rotated with respect to the base part. An end section of the locking element has a tip portion shaped in a dovetail-type manner. The device includes a tensioning arrangement for tensioning the locking element with respect to the rail. An arrangement includes such a device as well as an attachment rail with a rail main body and a plurality of bushes. A method for attaching an object, and a seat rail are disclosed.