Clamping Mounting Interface for Aircraft Seat Track Dynamic Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting techniques for aircraft seat tracks with downwardly-extending vertical members are not compatible with existing dynamic test fixtures, as they disrupt the attachment process and require drilling holes, potentially causing structural degradation.

Innovation Solution

A clamping system using elongated brackets, rectangular sections, and clamping members that securely attach the seat track to the load cell without penetrating the base plate, allowing for non-destructive testing and accommodating tracks with vertical members by sandwiching them between clamping members.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional mounting techniques are used to attach seat tracks to test fixtures, then the attachment process is simplified, but the base plate is damaged due to drilling holes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment processVSAvoidbase plate damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting interface is introduced as an intermediary component between the seat track base plate and the test fixture load cell. This interface includes a clamping mechanism that applies distributed pressure to secure the track without requiring holes in the base plate, thereby preventing damage while enabling attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conventional mechanical fastening system using bolts and holes is replaced with a clamping system that uses friction and distributed pressure. The clamping mechanism applies force through a large contact area on the base plate surface, eliminating the need for penetration and structural modification of the track.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2044412B1Mounting interface systems and methods for purposes of testing seat tracks

Publication Date: 2018.11.07 ZODIAC SEATS US LLC

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3D

AI summary

Mounting techniques and systems are detailed. Such techniques and systems are particularly, although not necessarily exclusively, useful for connecting vehicle seat tracks to fixtures for dynamic testing. No holes need necessarily penetrate central portions of the base plates of the tracks.