Seat Track Retaining Clip for Tool-Free Panel Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of securing external components, such as mop sill panels, to seat tracks in mobile platforms like commercial aircraft is time and labor intensive due to the use of multiple rivet or threaded fasteners, increasing assembly costs and time.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece retaining component with flexible flanges and a base portion that forms a channel, featuring engaging and locking tabs, allowing for secure attachment to seat tracks without external fasteners or tools, using a hooked shape to grab seat track holes and a flexible portion that snaps into place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple rivet or threaded fasteners are used to secure external panels to seat tracks, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the assembly time and labor cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single retaining component that integrates both engagement and locking features. The retaining component includes an engaging tab that inserts through the seat track hole and a locking tab that secures it in place, eliminating the need for separate rivets or threaded fasteners while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining component is divided into distinct functional segments: the engaging tab for insertion through the hole, the locking tab for securing the position, and the flexible portion that enables the snapping action. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall assembly complexity and time.
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple fasteners are used to secure panels to seat tracks, then the structural stability is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening components into a single integrated retaining component. The engaging tab, locking tab, and flexible portion are all part of one piece, reducing the number of components from multiple fasteners to just one retaining component per attachment point.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining component performs multiple functions simultaneously: it engages with the seat track through the hole, provides structural support, and secures the panel in place. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fasteners and reduces overall system complexity.
3Reliability
If traditional fastening methods are used, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple fastening operations into a single snapping action. The retaining component is designed to be inserted and locked in one motion, eliminating the need for multiple fastening steps, tools, and associated labor costs while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking tab is designed to automatically engage and secure the retaining component in place through a snapping action, without requiring external tools or additional fastening operations. This self-service mechanism reduces labor requirements and manufacturing complexity while ensuring reliable connection.
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
Enables quick and easy attachment of external panels to seat tracks without fasteners or tools, reducing assembly time and cost, while maintaining structural integrity and allowing for easy repositioning without interfering with seat attachment.
Implementation Method 1
The base portion includes a flexible portion. The locking tab and engaging tab are spaced apart generally approximately in accordance with the spacing of the holes in the structure to which the retaining component is being secured... Sufficient pressure is exerted on the main body, typically with the thumb and fingers of one hand, to hold it against the surface of the flange of the seat track. This causes the flexible portion, with the locking tab protruding therefrom, to flex as the base portion is pushed against, and held against, the surface of the flange of the seat track.
Data Source
AI summary
A retaining component for securing an external structure or panel to a seat track within a mobile platform, such as an aircraft. The retaining component includes a pair of flexible flanges that are adapted to engage an external component or panel, in one example a seat track in a commercial aircraft cabin area. The retaining component also includes a base portion having a flexible portion with at least one locking tab protruding therefrom. One or more hook-shaped engaging tabs also protrude from the base portion. The engaging tabs and the locking tab enable the retaining component to be secured to a flange of a seat track having a plurality of spaced apart holes in a manner that does not require any external threaded or rivet style fastening elements, or the use of separate assembly tools. The retaining component, in one form, is a single piece, lightweight, integrally formed component that is ideally suited for use in mobile platforms such as commercial aircraft where assembly time and costs are important considerations in the manufacture of a commercial aircraft.