Passenger Seat Spreader Assembly With Central Cavity and Lower Part Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger seat structural assemblies in vehicles have limitations such as higher part counts, material waste, and compromises between optimization and manufacturability.
Innovation Solution
A spreader assembly for passenger seats comprising a lower spreader and an upper spreader, where the upper spreader defines a central cavity and supports a seat back, and the lower spreader extends in a forward and aft direction to receive seat beam tubes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If traditional construction methods are used for passenger seat structural components, then structural integrity is maintained, but part count increases and material waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple structural components (spreader, armrest, seat back support, table support) into a single integrated structural assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate parts that would traditionally be required, thereby reducing part count and minimizing material waste while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional construction methods are used for passenger seat structural components, then structural integrity is maintained, but manufacturing optimization is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The structural assembly is designed with modular segments that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The spreader, armrest, and seat back support are configured as distinct but integrated components that can be produced using standardized manufacturing processes, improving ease of manufacture while maintaining overall structural integrity through precise connection interfaces.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used in the spreader assembly, then structural integrity is maintained, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the spreader, armrest, and seat back support into a single structural assembly, reducing the number of separate parts while maintaining structural integrity through the unified design. The integrated structure ensures proper load distribution and structural strength without requiring multiple separate components.
4Strength
If the upper spreader is solid without a central cavity, then structural strength is maximized, but material efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper spreader features a central cavity that removes material only from areas where full structural strength is not required, while maintaining adequate strength in critical load-bearing regions. This local quality approach optimizes material efficiency by eliminating unnecessary material while preserving structural integrity where needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A structural shroud assembly for a passenger seat includes a structural shroud having a first end, a second end opposite from the first end, and a central cavity between the first end and the second end. An armrest pivot may be supported at the first end of the structural shroud. In some cases, the structural shroud may be an armrest. In other cases, the structural shroud is an upper spreader for the passenger seat configured to support a seat back of the passenger seat, and a lower spreader configured to receive at least one seat beam tube is attached to the upper spreader.