Seat Track Adapter for Multi-Track Aircraft Cabin Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft cabin structures face compatibility issues due to different types of tracks, leading to increased manufacturing costs and limited choices for seats and monuments, as existing attachment systems are specific to C-shaped channels, making it difficult to attach structures to various track types.
Innovation Solution
An adapter system comprising an elongate planar member with flanges and channels, capable of being secured to tracks with an array of holes, allowing structures like seats and monuments to be attached to different track types using a latch system, thereby eliminating the need for multiple attachment systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of attachment systems are manufactured for different track types, then compatibility with various tracks is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single standardized attachment system that can be used with multiple different track types. The adapter component serves as a universal interface that connects the standardized attachment system to various track configurations, eliminating the need to manufacture separate attachment systems for each track type while maintaining full compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the standardized attachment system and the diverse track types. This mediator translates between the standardized interface and various track configurations, allowing a single attachment system design to work with multiple track types without requiring custom designs for each track variant.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachment systems are offered for different tracks, then track compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple track types through a single standardized interface. The adapter component provides the variability needed for different tracks while the main attachment system remains standardized, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into two distinct parts: a standardized attachment system that remains simple and uniform, and an adapter component that handles the variability for different track types. This segmentation isolates the complexity to a single interchangeable component while keeping the main attachment system simple and easy to manufacture.
3Ease of manufacture
If standardized attachment systems are used for all tracks, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but adaptability to different track types deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as an intermediary that bridges the gap between the standardized attachment system and non-standardized tracks. This allows the attachment system to remain standardized and simple to manufacture while the adapter provides the necessary adaptation to work with various track types, thus maintaining both cost efficiency and compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising an elongate planar member, a number of flanges, and a number of channels at ends of the number of flanges. The elongate planar member may have a first side, a second side, and a number of holes. The first side may be opposite to the second side, wherein the first side may be capable of being secured to a track having a substantially planar surface with an array of holes. The number of flanges may extend from the second side of the elongate planar member. Each channel in the number of channels may have a bottom, a first wall, and a second wall. The first wall may have a first lip, and the second wall may have a second lip, wherein the first lip and the second lip may extend towards a centerline of an associated channel in the number of channels.