Thermoplastic Homogeneous Failure Module for Aircraft Seats
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current predictive failure analysis tools for commercial aircraft seat components cannot accurately simulate the dynamic forces during incidents, leading to uncertainties in failure type, location, and end result, which may compromise passenger safety and weight reduction goals.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic homogenous failure module is formed via homogeneous chemical bonding of thermoplastic components, incorporating reinforcing elements that fail in a controlled manner, providing a high strength-to-weight ratio and ensuring safe egress by localizing failure and preventing lethal objects during incidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional structural components are used to meet strength requirements, then safety and strength are ensured, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by using thermoplastic materials with specific mechanical properties and chemical compositions that provide high strength-to-weight ratio. The material parameters are optimized to meet strength requirements while minimizing weight, achieving a balance between these two contradictory requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining thermoplastic matrices with reinforcing elements. This composite approach allows the structure to achieve the required strength and stiffness while maintaining low weight, effectively resolving the contradiction between strength and weight.
2Reliability
If predictive failure analysis tools are used, then failure prediction is provided, but accuracy is insufficient due to inability to simulate dynamic forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates failure prediction capabilities directly into the design and manufacturing process through integrated sensors and monitoring systems. This preliminary action allows for real-time detection and prediction of potential failures before they occur, improving reliability without requiring complex external simulation tools.
3Strength
If homogeneous chemical bonding is used to form the failure module, then strength and structural integrity are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes chemical parameter changes during the bonding process, where thermoplastic materials undergo phase transitions or chemical reactions at specific temperatures to form homogeneous bonds. By controlling temperature and time parameters, the process achieves strong structural integrity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
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 achieves predictable and repeatable failure modes, ensuring passenger safety and weight reduction while meeting regulatory strength requirements, with the homogenous failure module integrating into aircraft seat supports to manage loads effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The support element is chemically compatible with the reinforcing element. A homogeneous chemical bond is formed between the support element and the reinforcing element.
Data Source
AI summary
A failure module includes a support element. A reinforcing element is disposed on the support element. The support element is chemically compatible with the reinforcing element. A homogeneous chemical bond is formed between the support element and the reinforcing element.