Seat Track Fitting Spring-Actuated Clamping Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger seat track fitting assemblies lack sufficient load-carrying capacity and strength to securely attach seats to vehicle tracks, leading to potential misalignment or dislodgment during crashes or turbulence, which can pose safety risks to occupants.
Innovation Solution
A track fitting assembly utilizing a spring-actuated clamping force, comprising pre-loaded stud assemblies with stud-spring biasing and a compressing device, and a shear plunger assembly with a plunger-spring mechanism, to securely engage the seat with the track and absorb variations in track thickness, ensuring a snug fit and enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional track fitting assemblies with simple studs and bolts are used, then the device complexity is low, but the load-carrying capacity and strength are insufficient to prevent seat rattle or withstand crash forces
Solution Approach 1:
The stud-spring assembly is pre-loaded to apply clamping force to the track lips before any load is applied to the seat. The spring is compressed between the stud and the track lip, creating preliminary compression that ensures immediate engagement and prevents rattle under normal operating conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The track fitting assembly is divided into separate functional components: the stud for positioning, the spring for applying clamping force, the cam for load transfer, and the shear plunger for emergency securing. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to achieve high strength through coordinated action of segmented elements.
2Strength
If a cam mechanism is added to transfer crash loads to the track, then the strength and load-carrying capacity improve, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to additional manual intervention required
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is designed to automatically engage and transfer loads during crash conditions without requiring manual operation. The cam's geometry allows it to rotate and engage the track lip when subjected to longitudinal loads, dynamically responding to the crash force and transferring it to the track structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The shear plunger assembly automatically engages to secure the cam to the track lip when crash forces are applied. The shear pin breaks under excessive load, allowing the plunger to engage the track lip and transfer the crash load directly to the track, providing self-service protection without manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pre-loaded spring mechanisms are used to absorb track thickness variations, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases due to additional springs and compression mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism allows for parameter changes in the clamping force as the stud compresses the spring to accommodate different track lip thicknesses. The spring's compression distance and force characteristics are designed to adapt to variations in track dimensions, maintaining consistent engagement across different manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-compressed during assembly to establish initial contact and clamping force between the stud and track lip. This preliminary action absorbs minor thickness variations and ensures that the stud is properly positioned before any operational loads are applied, accommodating manufacturing tolerances without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The spring-actuated clamping force effectively secures the passenger seat to the track, preventing rattle and ensuring the seat remains aligned under various loads, thereby enhancing safety by providing the necessary strength and stability during adverse conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-actuated clamping force
Implementation Method 2
The stud-spring is biased between the fastening device and the stud-spring ledge
Implementation Method 3
The shear pin is extended from the main body and within the at least one circular opening
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention include a track fitting assembly comprising a main body, at least one pre-loaded stud assembly, and a track comprising a pair of lips. The at least one pre-loaded stud assembly comprises a stud and a compressing device. The at least one pre-loaded stud assembly comprises a clamped position, wherein the stud is coupled to the pair of lips and does not contact the compressing device. The at least one pre-loaded stud assembly also comprises an unclamped position, wherein the stud contacts the compressing device and does not contact the pair of lips. Other embodiments include the main body, at least one shear plunger assembly, and the track comprising the pair of lips, where the pair of lips comprise at least one circular opening. The at least one shear plunger assembly comprises a shear pin and a button. The at least one shear pin assembly comprises an disengaged position, wherein the button extends from the main body and the shear pin is positioned within the main body. The at least one shear plunger assembly also comprises an engaged position, wherein the button is positioned flush with the main body and the shear pin is extended from the main body and within the at least one circular opening.