Aircraft Seat Track Electrical Coupling for Fast Reconfiguration

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional aircraft seating arrangements require time-consuming and complicated reconfiguration of passenger seats and their electrical connections due to the need to move and reattach individual wires and covers, often necessitating a complete reinstallation of wiring.

Innovation Solution

A seating system with a seat track assembly and electrical distribution system that allows for easy coupling of seat modules to a seat track, automatically establishing electrical connections through track and seat electrical contacts, eliminating the need for separate wiring during seat rearrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional wiring schemes are used with individual wires or wire bundles connected to each passenger seat electrical system, then electrical connections can be established at each seat, but reconfiguration of seating arrangements requires time-consuming movement and reattachment of individual wires and covers, often necessitating complete reinstallation of wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseating arrangement reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidtime required for seat rearrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical distribution system is segmented into modular track electrical contacts distributed along the seat track, allowing individual seat modules to be electrically connected to any position along the track without requiring complete rewiring. This segmentation enables independent movement and repositioning of seat modules while maintaining electrical connectivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The seat track assembly serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for seat modules, establishes electrical connections through integrated track electrical contacts, and enables versatile seating arrangements. This universal structure eliminates the need for separate wiring systems and allows the same infrastructure to support various seating configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If traditional wiring schemes are used with individual wires or wire bundles, then electrical connections can be made at each seat, but the process becomes complicated and time-consuming during seat rearrangement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of seat rearrangementVSAvoidcomplexity of wiring reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical seat track structure and electrical distribution system are merged into a single integrated assembly. The track electrical contacts are embedded within or attached to the seat track, combining structural support and electrical connection functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate wiring harnesses and simplifies the overall system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection system is designed to automatically establish connections when seat modules are coupled to the seat track. The track electrical contacts and seat electrical contacts engage through the natural coupling process, eliminating the need for manual wiring operations during seat rearrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If individual wires or wire bundles are used to connect passenger seat electrical systems, then electrical power and data can be transmitted to each seat, but any rearrangement of passenger seats necessitates complete reinstallation of the wiring

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of seating reconfigurationVSAvoidease of wiring installation and reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical distribution system transitions from a static wiring harness to a dynamic configuration where track electrical contacts are distributed along the seat track and can accommodate moving seat modules. This dynamic design allows electrical connections to be maintained or reestablished automatically as seats are repositioned, eliminating the need for complete wiring reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20250333173A1Seating systems for aircraft and methods of arranging seating systems

Publication Date: 2025.10.30 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

The seating systems comprise a seat module and a seat track assembly, a seat track, and an electrical distribution system. The electrical distribution system comprises a plurality of track electrical contacts disposed along the seat track. The seat module comprises a base coupler configured to couple with the seat track and a seat module electrical system having a seat electrical contact. The base coupler and the seat track are configured to position the seat electrical contact in connection with the track electrical contact to which the base coupler is coupled. The methods comprise coupling the base coupler to a seat module, which comprises forming a connection between the seat electrical contact and the respective track electrical contact, and providing electricity to the seat module via the electrical connection.