Seat transit systems and methods
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for transporting and installing seat assemblies in commercial aircraft are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring the removal of protective covers and the use of costly specialized conveyances like track segments, mounts, and rollers.
Innovation Solution
A seat skate assembly is designed to be secured to seat assembly fittings, featuring a pin-retaining guide with cavities and wheel couplers, allowing the seat assembly to be moved efficiently during transport and installation, eliminating the need for disposable conveyances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If protective covers are removed and specialized conveyances (track segments, mounts, rollers) are installed on seat assemblies, then the seat assembly can be maneuvered into the aircraft cabin, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the protective cover function and the maneuvering function into a single integrated device. The seat skate assembly includes protective elements that shield fittings during transport while also providing wheels or rollers that enable easy maneuvering, eliminating the need for separate protective covers and separate conveyance installations
Solution Approach 2:
The seat skate assembly is pre-installed on the seat assembly during manufacturing or before shipping. This preliminary action ensures that the protective and maneuvering functions are already in place, eliminating the need for time-consuming installation of conveyances at the aircraft location
2Ease of operation
If specialized conveyances (track segments, mounts, rollers) are installed on seat assemblies, then the seat assembly can be maneuvered into the aircraft cabin, but the process becomes costly
Solution Approach 1:
The seat skate assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: protecting fittings during transport, enabling maneuvering on various surfaces, and potentially serving as a permanent or temporary mounting aid. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for multiple specialized conveyance components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive materials for the seat skate assembly such as basic plastics, rubber wheels, or aluminum components. These can be easily manufactured at low cost and discarded after use, replacing expensive specialized conveyances that require precise manufacturing and quality control
3Reliability
If protective covers are positioned on fittings before shipping, then the pins are protected during transport, but the process requires additional steps and tools for removal and inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is merged with the maneuvering function in the seat skate assembly. The same structure that protects the fittings also provides the wheels or rollers for movement, eliminating the need for separate protective covers and their removal/inspection processes
Solution Approach 2:
The seat skate assembly remains attached to the seat assembly throughout the entire process, providing continuous protection without requiring removal or inspection steps. The design allows the protective elements to stay in place while enabling easy visual verification of pin condition
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
This solution reduces manufacturing time and costs by enabling the seat assembly to be maneuvered directly into the aircraft cabin using the seat skate assemblies, which are less costly and easier to install, streamlining the process and protecting the fittings during transport.
Implementation Method 1
one or more wheel members rotatably coupled to the one or more wheel couplers. The wheel member(s) allow the seat assembly to be moved
Data Source
AI summary
A seat skate assembly is configured to be secured to a fitting of a seat assembly. The seat skate assembly includes a pin-retaining guide including a plurality of pin cavities configured to receive and retain one or more pins of the fitting, one or more wheel couplers, and one or more wheel members rotatably coupled to the wheel coupler(s). The wheel member(s) allow the seat assembly to be moved.