Seat Rail Locking Mechanism for Tool-Free Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for affixing objects to seat rails in aircraft cabins are time-consuming, require tools, and do not allow for easy repositioning or removal without lifting the objects out of the rail, leading to potential damage and loss of components.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus with a movable locking body and base body that can be inserted and locked into seat rails without tools, allowing for manual deflection and sliding along the rail, featuring a plunger body for positive-locking connections and an operating element with cams for secure attachment, enabling tool-free installation and repositioning of objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded inserts and double cam mechanisms are used for affixing objects to seat rails, then the connection strength and stability are improved, but the installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a locking body with projections that engage with apertures in the rail, and a base body that supports the object. This segmentation allows for simpler, faster assembly while maintaining connection strength through the specialized locking projections.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of screwing objects into the rail using threaded inserts, the invention inverts the approach by having locking projections on the locking body engage with apertures in the rail. This reversal of the fastening mechanism eliminates the need for threading operations and reduces installation time while maintaining reliable connection.
2Reliability
If threaded inserts and multiple loose components are used for affixing objects, then the connection stability is improved, but the ease of operation and risk of losing components worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body and base body are designed as integrated components where the locking body is movably connected to the base body. This merging reduces the number of separate loose components that need to be handled during installation, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection stability through the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking projections on the locking body automatically engage with the apertures in the rail when the locking body is moved into the locked position. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex assembly procedures or multiple separate fastening operations, making installation easier while ensuring stable connection.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then secure locking is achieved, but the ability to reposition objects without lifting them out of the rail is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body is designed with movable connection to the base body, allowing it to transition between locked and unlocked positions. This dynamic design enables the object to be securely locked when needed while also allowing easy repositioning by simply moving the locking body, without requiring the object to be lifted out of the rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking projections are pre-configured on the locking body to match the aperture pattern in the rail. This preliminary configuration allows the locking body to engage with any aperture position along the rail, enabling easy repositioning while maintaining secure locking at each position.
4Reliability
If multiple loose components are used for affixing objects, then the connection reliability is improved, but the device complexity and ease of repair worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The locking body and base body are merged into an integrated assembly with movably connected components, reducing the total number of separate parts compared to traditional threaded insert systems. This reduces device complexity while maintaining connection reliability through the specialized locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking body serves multiple functions: it provides secure locking through its projections, allows for easy release by moving to the unlocked position, and enables repositioning along the rail. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall device while maintaining reliable connection.
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
Enables quick and tool-free installation and repositioning of objects along seat rails, reducing installation time and preventing damage to the cabin floor, while ensuring secure attachment even under dynamic conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The operating element comprises at least two cams, wherein one of the cams is used for moving the locking body, while a further cam is used for moving the plunger body
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for affixing an object to a rail includes, but is not limited to at least one base body, at least one locking body and at least one operating element. The locking body is held so as to be movable relative to the base body and is connected to the operating element by way of at least one bearing. The operating element is arranged so as to be rotatable in the base body, includes, but is not limited to a cam that acts on the base body, and when rotated moves the locking body towards the base body. In this way apparatus is created which makes possible the manual affixing and undoing, without the need for tools, of an object on and from a rail, for example, if needed, in order to reposition displaceable monuments in a cabin of an aircraft.