Aircraft Seat Track Cover Mounting Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft seat tracks with planar surfaces pose a challenge for securing seat track covers, as they do not provide a suitable surface for direct engagement, necessitating a system to securely mount cables for power and data transmission between seats without the need for individual cables to each seat.
Innovation Solution
A seat track cover system that includes a mounting device with a U-shaped receptacle and engagement pin to securely attach the cover to the seat track, allowing for the transfer of power and data between two seats, eliminating the need for individual cables by using a cable with standard length equal to or greater than the cover, which is cut to match the distance between seats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the seat track has a planar upper surface, then the seat track structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the seat track cover cannot be directly secured to the seat track
Solution Approach 1:
A mounting device with a base, uprights, and engagement pin serves as an intermediary component between the planar seat track and the seat track cover. The mounting device has a first engagement feature that interfaces with the planar seat track surface and a second engagement feature that secures the seat track cover, thereby enabling reliable mounting without requiring modifications to the seat track structure
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: the planar seat track, the mounting device (with base, uprights, and engagement pin), and the seat track cover. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the seat track remains simple and planar for ease of manufacture, while the mounting device provides the necessary engagement functionality
2Reliability
If individual power and data cables are run to each seat, then electrical connection reliability is improved, but cable management complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
Power and data cables are merged into a single integrated cable assembly that runs through the seat track cover. This consolidation reduces the number of separate cables needing to be managed and installed, while maintaining reliable electrical connections to each seat through the combined cable structure
Solution Approach 2:
The seat track cover serves multiple functions: it provides structural coverage for the seat track, acts as a conduit for power and data cables, and facilitates electrical connections between seats. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate cable management systems while maintaining connection reliability
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for communicating electrical signals between two spaced apart seat assemblies on a mobile platform, for example an aircraft. The seat assemblies are secured to seat tracks mounted on a floor of the aircraft cabin. The seat tracks have a plurality of spaced apart holes that enable seat assembly mounting. A seat track cover is snap-fit onto one or more seat track mount devices. Each of the seat track mount devices includes one or more cleats or knobs that can be snap fit into the openings in the seat track to quickly and easily secure the seat track cover to the seat track. The seat track cover and mount devices enable a simple, planar seat track having spaced apart holes to be employed, rather than a C-shaped seat mounting track.