Integrated Seat Spreader Structure for Weight and Stiffness Balance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional passenger seat spreader assemblies in vehicles, such as aircraft, face challenges in balancing weight reduction with stiffness and require additional supports for articulating seat pans, leading to increased weight and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A spreader assembly with a body having a non-uniform thickness and monolithic roller support rails that integrate structural reinforcement, allowing for weight reduction while maintaining or improving stiffness through optimized material distribution and elimination of separate support components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the envelope size (thickness) of the spreader assembly is reduced to save weight, then the weight decreases, but the stiffness decreases resulting in lower perceived quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespreader assembly weightVSAvoidspreader stiffness

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The spreader body employs non-uniform thickness distribution, with varying thickness in different regions to optimize the balance between weight reduction and stiffness. Thinner sections reduce weight while thicker sections maintain structural strength and stiffness where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Roller support rails are integrated into the spreader body to provide additional structural dimension. These rails guide articulating seat pan motion and reinforce the spreader structure, adding stiffness without significantly increasing weight through the use of rolling contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If traditional separate supports are added to guide articulating seat pan motion, then the motion guidance function is achieved, but the weight and complexity of the spreader assembly increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat pan motion guidanceVSAvoidspreader assembly weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The roller support rails are merged with the spreader body as an integrated monolithic structure. This combination eliminates the need for separate support components while maintaining the motion guidance function for articulating seat pans, thereby reducing weight and simplifying the assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The spreader body serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, guides articulating seat pan motion through integrated roller support rails, and reduces weight through non-uniform thickness design. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If traditional separate supports are added to guide articulating seat pan motion, then the motion guidance function is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat pan motion guidanceVSAvoidspreader assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS20240140607A1Integrated spreader assembly

Publication Date: 2024.05.02 ZODIAC SEATS US LLC

AI summary

A spreader for a passenger seat includes a body having a forward end and an aft end. The body defines at least one roller support rail monolithic with the body and between the forward end and the aft end. The spreader includes a non-uniform thickness along a length of the body between the forward end and the aft end.