Seat Suspension Installation Method for Aircraft Passenger Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing seat suspension installation methods, particularly using suspension fabric, face challenges such as increased weight, passenger discomfort, and difficulty in installation and removal, which affect the reliability and space utilization in aircraft seating systems.
Innovation Solution
A method involving retainers and support members with rear-facing engagement allows for easier and space-saving installation of seat suspensions by moving retainers perpendicular to the seat frame, ensuring even load distribution and conforming to the seat back geometry, thereby enhancing comfort and maintenance accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid diaphragm construction is used for backrest support, then flammability and load bearing compliance are met, but weight increases and passenger comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces rigid diaphragm construction with a flexible suspension fabric assembly that includes a frame and a suspension fabric stretched across it. The frame provides structural support meeting load bearing requirements, while the flexible fabric reduces weight compared to rigid construction, thereby resolving the contradiction between reliability (load bearing) and weight reduction.
2Weight of moving object
If suspension fabric material is used for backrest support, then weight is reduced, but elasticity maintenance in fatigue and contour holding deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension fabric assembly is segmented into a rigid frame structure and a flexible suspension fabric component. The frame provides structural stability and contour definition, while the fabric provides weight reduction and comfort. This segmentation allows each component to perform its optimal function, resolving the contradiction between weight reduction and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly combines different materials - a rigid frame material (providing structural integrity) and a flexible fabric material (providing weight reduction and comfort). This composite approach allows the system to achieve both light weight and reliable elasticity maintenance by leveraging the complementary properties of different materials.
3Ease of operation
If wrapped-around installation method is used for suspension fabric, then installation is simpler, but installation difficulty and stress on seatback frame increase
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension fabric assembly is pre-segmented into a frame and fabric component that can be independently handled and installed. The frame acts as a rigid carrier that simplifies installation by providing structure, while the fabric is attached to this frame, reducing the complexity of installing the fabric itself and reducing stress on the seatback frame during installation.
4Ease of operation
If suspension fabric with zippers is used for installation, then installation ease is improved, but system reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic zipper component is extracted from the suspension fabric assembly and replaced with an alternative attachment mechanism. The frame structure provides attachment points that secure the fabric without relying on zippers, thereby maintaining installation ease while eliminating the reliability issues associated with zipper performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments provide a method for installing a seat suspension on a seat frame having a first side frame member and a second side frame member opposed to and spaced apart from each other. The method may include moving a retainer on a first side of the seat suspension in a direction substantially perpendicular to a plane defined by the first and second side frame members for fastening onto a support member on the first side frame member; and moving a retainer on a second side of the seat suspension in the direction substantially perpendicular to the plane defined by the first and second side frame members for fastening onto a support member on the second side frame member. The second side of the seat suspension is opposed to and spaced apart from the first side of the seat suspension.