Seat Recline Arm Locking for Energy-Absorber Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat designs with energy absorber systems in the seat legs cannot be reclined without compromising the reliability and safety of the energy absorber system, particularly in space-restricted applications like helicopters.
Innovation Solution
A seat recline system comprising a recline arm and adjuster mechanism that allows the seat to pivot relative to the seat legs, with a locking system to secure the recline arm at predetermined angles, ensuring the energy absorber system remains functional and space-efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seat bucket is fixed in one place to ensure reliable operation of the energy absorber, then the reliability of the energy absorber system is improved, but the ability to recline the seat is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The seat assembly is divided into separate functional components: the seat bucket, the seat leg with energy absorber, and a recline mechanism with arm and adjuster. This segmentation allows the seat bucket to pivot relative to the seat leg while the energy absorber remains fixed in the seat leg, resolving the contradiction between reliability and recline capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The recline arm and adjuster mechanism act as an intermediary between the seat bucket and the seat leg. This intermediary mechanism enables controlled movement and angle adjustment while maintaining the fixed position of the energy absorber in the seat leg, allowing both reliability and adaptability to coexist.
2Volume of moving object
If the seat leg is used to house the energy absorber system in space-restricted applications, then the space efficiency is improved, but the seat cannot be reclined without compromising energy absorber functionality
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the seat system into separate components (seat bucket, seat leg, recline mechanism), the energy absorber can be housed in the seat leg for space efficiency while the recline mechanism provides the necessary adaptability for angle adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The recline mechanism introduces dynamic capability to the system, allowing the seat bucket to pivot to different angles relative to the seat leg. This dynamic adjustment is achieved through the recline arm and adjuster while the energy absorber remains statically positioned in the seat leg.
3Device complexity
If the seat back and seat pan are formed as an integral seat bucket, then the structure complexity is reduced, but the ability to independently adjust seat position and angle is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The recline mechanism provides multi-functionality by enabling both angle adjustment and position adjustment of the seat bucket. A single integrated mechanism achieves what would otherwise require multiple separate adjustment systems, maintaining simplicity while adding adaptability.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a locking system is added to secure the recline arm at predetermined angles, then the stability of the reclined position is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system provides stability only at specific predetermined angles where detents are positioned, rather than continuously. This localized locking approach maintains simplicity by engaging only at discrete positions rather than requiring continuous stabilization mechanisms.
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 the seat to be reclined while maintaining the integrity of the energy absorber system, allowing for adjustable seating comfort without compromising safety or space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
a recline arm (30) and adjuster mechanism (40) arranged to be provided on an outer side (21a, 21b) of the leg(s) (20a, 20b) between the seat body (10) and the leg(s) (20a, 20b), the recline arm (30) being pivotal, relative to the leg(s) (20a, 20b), about a pivot point (33)
Implementation Method 2
a locking system (50) to secure the recline arm (30), comprising a locking pin (51) and lever (52), the locking pin (51) being movable, relative to the adjuster mechanism (40), between a locking position in which the locking pin (51) engages a detent (36) on the recline arm (30) and a release position in which the locking pin (51) does not engage the detent (36)
Data Source
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AI summary
A seat recline system comprising: one or more seat legs (20a, 20b) to which a seat body (10) can be mounted, in use; and, for each of the one or more seat legs: a recline arm (30) having a first end (32) pivotally mounted to the seat leg and arranged to be fixedly mounted to a first mounting point of the seat body, in use, and a second end (34) arranged to be fixedly mounted to a second mounting point of the seat body, in use, the seat arm further comprising one or more detents (36) formed on an inner side of the arm intermediate the first end and the second end; a recline adjuster (40) located between the recline arm (30) and the seat leg (20a, 20b), the recline adjuster fixedly attached to the leg, and wherein the recline arm is free to pivot about the first mounting point relative to the recline adjustor (40), wherein the recline adjuster (40) has a hole (43) therethrough arranged to align with the one or more detents (36) in the recline arm (30) at predetermined pivot positions of the recline arm relative to the recline adjuster' and a locking system (50) comprising a locking pin (51) and a lever (52) arranged to move the locking pin (51) relative to the hole (43) in the recline adjuster, between a locking position in which the locking pin extends through the hole to engage in a detent (36) of the one or more detents when a detent aligns with the hole, and a release position in which the locking pin does not extend through the hole (43).