Toggle Joint Aircraft Seat Fixation Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seat fastening systems in aircraft experience vibrations due to manufacturing tolerances, leading to noise issues despite the use of elastic buffers for absorbing dimensional variations.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a toggle lever mechanism with connecting rods and a hard point crossing mechanism, along with clamping and centering means, to absorb variations and ensure positive locking, eliminating the need for elastic buffers and reducing vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If elastic buffers are used to absorb dimensional variations, then manufacturing tolerances are compensated, but vibrations and noise increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic buffers from the system entirely. Instead of using elastic elements to absorb dimensional variations, the invention employs a toggle mechanism with a parallelogram linkage that geometrically compensates for manufacturing tolerances through its mechanical geometry, thereby eliminating the source of vibrations and noise while maintaining the ability to accommodate dimensional variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle mechanism acts as an intermediary between the attachment means and the seat. The parallelogram linkage (comprising links connected by pivots) serves as a mediator that absorbs dimensional variations through its geometric configuration, allowing the system to accommodate manufacturing tolerances without transmitting vibrations and noise directly to the seat structure.
2Device complexity
If a simple locking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of locking is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static simple latch to a dynamic system where the toggle mechanism itself provides the locking action. As the operator moves the attachment means, the parallelogram linkage naturally progresses through its geometric path and self-locks when reaching the fully extended position, providing reliable locking through dynamic mechanical advantage rather than complex multi-component locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle mechanism with parallelogram linkage performs the locking function automatically through its geometric configuration. When the operator actuates the attachment means, the linkage self-locks at the fully extended position without requiring additional locking components or complex mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the mechanical geometry to provide both the locking action and the indication of locked state.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If manufacturing tolerances are tightly controlled, then vibration is reduced, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from controlling dimensional parameters tightly to using a mechanism that is inherently insensitive to parameter variations. The parallelogram linkage geometry is designed such that small variations in link lengths or pivot positions do not affect the overall functionality or vibration characteristics. This allows manufacturers to use standard tolerances while still achieving vibration-free operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The toggle mechanism combines multiple rigid links connected by pivots to create a composite mechanical structure that collectively absorbs manufacturing tolerances. Rather than relying on a single component with tight tolerances, the system uses the combined geometry of multiple components with standard tolerances to achieve the same effect, simplifying manufacturing while reducing vibrations.
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 effectively absorbs manufacturing tolerances, reduces vibrations, and provides a secure, noise-free attachment of the seat to the rail by defining the active locking position independently of safety locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the operating lever is associated with toggle-joint overcoming means comprising a connecting rod articulation bracket also articulated on the base, at least one of which is associated with the seat attachment means to move these between their retracted position for seat mounting/dismounting and their active position for seat attachment
Implementation Method 2
a front connecting rod, one end of which is articulated on the base, the other end of which is articulated on the articulation bracket
Implementation Method 3
clamping means for the base on the rail
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
This system for fixing a seat, for example of an aircraft, in a rail of the rest of that aircraft, of the type comprising a base (2) associated with the rest of the seat and comprising means (5) for attaching it by clamping it onto the rail of the aircraft, movable between retracted positions for mounting/dismounting the seat and active positions for attaching it, by an operator via an operating lever (6) movable between retracted positions for mounting/dismounting and active positions for locking the attachment means in position and which comprises locking means (7) in the active locking position, is characterized in that the operating lever (6) is associated with means for overcoming a hard point with a toggle joint (8) comprising a clevis (9) for articulating connecting rods (10,11) also articulated on the base (2) and of which at least one is associated with the seat attachment means to move these between their retracted position for seat mounting/dismounting and active position for attaching the seat,