Spring-Biased Track Lock Assembly for Tight Aircraft Seat Fit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft seat locking mechanisms in seating assemblies face issues with maintaining a tight fit over time, leading to play or movement, and often require tools for tightening, which complicates installation and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A track lock assembly that includes a plunger mechanism with a bias element, such as a coil spring, to secure the seat frame to the track, using a pin member and nuts for easy manual assembly and vibration-resistant locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pin or bolt mechanism is used to lock the seat in the track, then the seat can be secured to the track, but maintaining a tight fit over time becomes difficult and tools are required for tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The lock assembly uses a spring-biased plunger mechanism that automatically maintains locking force. The spring continuously pushes the plunger against the track, creating self-tightening action that compensates for loosening over time without requiring external tools or operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static pinned connection to a dynamic spring-biased plunger system. The spring provides continuous adaptive force that adjusts to maintain optimal locking pressure, enabling the system to self-correct and maintain tight fit without manual intervention.
2Reliability
If a tight fit is maintained between the pin or bolt and locking feature, then locking reliability improves, but installation becomes more difficult and may require tools
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased plunger creates a dynamic locking system where the spring force automatically establishes the tight fit during installation. The plunger is pushed by spring pressure into the locking feature, eliminating the need for tools to force a tight fit while ensuring reliable locking from the start.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism automatically provides the forcing action needed during installation. As the assembly is installed, the spring expands and pushes the plunger into the track, self-generating the insertion force required for a tight fit without external tool assistance.
3Ease of manufacture
If a loose fit is used between the pin or bolt and locking feature, then ease of installation improves, but play or movement occurs in the joint
Solution Approach 1:
The spring provides continuous dynamic force that eliminates play and movement in the joint. The plunger is constantly pushed against the track surface by spring pressure, maintaining stable contact and preventing loosening even though the fit may initially be loose during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is pre-loaded to provide preliminary counteracting force against any potential play or movement. This pre-applied spring pressure continuously opposes loosening tendencies, preventing joint instability before it can develop during operation.
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 solution provides a secure, vibration-resistant locking mechanism that minimizes play and movement, allowing for easy installation and maintenance without tools, enhancing the stability of aircraft seating assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
A track lock assembly that includes a plunger mechanism with a bias element, such as a coil spring
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B~1C
Figure 2A
AI summary
A track lock assembly (200, 300, 400) configured to secure a seat frame to a track, comprising a track foot body (202, 302, 402), a pin member (212, 312, 412) having a first end secured to the track foot body and a second end extending away from the track foot body and a plunger (220, 320, 420) slidably engaged with the pin member (212, 312, 412) between the first end and the second end, the plunger (220, 320, 420) having a cut out portion defining a first pair of opposing walls configured to slidably engage the track foot body (202, 302, 402).