Translating, locking, and rotating leg rest mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Foot and leg rest systems in aircraft seats face challenges due to space and weight limitations, requiring complex and heavy automatic/electronic systems with multiple actuators and control systems.
Innovation Solution
A deployment mechanism using a single linear actuator that controls the order of translation and rotation of the leg rest, preventing it from rotating into an upright position until fully translated and vice versa, ensuring compactness and efficient deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional automatic/electronic systems with multiple actuators are used, then the leg rest can be deployed, but the system becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines translation and rotation functions into a single actuator system. The linear actuator translates the leg rest assembly, and through the translation-to-rotation conversion mechanism, this translation is converted into rotation of the leg rest about a pivot axis. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuators for each degree of freedom, reducing system complexity while maintaining automatic deployment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a translation lock mechanism as an intermediary between the linear actuator and the leg rest rotation. This translation lock converts the linear translation motion into rotational motion about a pivot axis, acting as a mechanical mediator that eliminates the need for complex control systems while ensuring proper deployment sequence
2Volume of moving object
If space constraints are considered, then traditional systems are unsuitable, but compact mechanisms must control deployment sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested arrangement where the leg rest assembly is disposed within the seat structure when stowed, and the translation lock mechanism is integrated into the leg rest assembly itself. The pivot axis is positioned within the seat, and the leg rest rotates about this internal pivot. This nesting minimizes the volume occupied by the deployable mechanism while maintaining full deployment functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a dynamic deployment sequence controlled by the translation lock. The mechanism transitions from a constrained state (translation locked) to an unlocked state automatically as the linear actuator translates the leg rest assembly. This dynamic behavior allows the mechanism to adapt its degrees of freedom during deployment: initially allowing only translation, then automatically enabling rotation when the translation lock disengages, eliminating the need for complex control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A foot and leg rest deployment mechanism prevents the leg rest from rotating into an upright, deployed orientation until fully translated. Likewise, the deployment mechanism prevents the leg rest from translating while in an upright orientation. A rotation arm with a rotation locking channel prevents rotation until a locking arm is disengaged from the rotation locking channel via the locking arm engaging a translation locking portion of a translation channel. A single, linear actuator applies a force to cause both translation and rotation where the leg rest deployment mechanism controls the order of steps of deployment.