Application of unidirectional hook and loop attachment to aircraft seat upholstery application

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing aircraft seat cover attachment technologies, such as snap fasteners and hook and loop systems, often result in premature engagement and reduced adjustability, making it difficult to properly attach and reposition seat covers without adding significant time and frustration.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing unidirectional hook-and-loop fasteners, where the hooks are oriented in a single direction, allowing the seat cover to slide onto the seat without immediate engagement, and requiring a coordinated pull to secure or release, facilitating easy attachment and repositioning without wrinkles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional hook and loop fasteners are used to attach seat covers, then the seat cover can be easily removed for cleaning, but the fasteners engage prematurely and prevent adjustment of the seat cover position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of removal for cleaningVSAvoidadjustability of seat cover position

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastener system is divided into two separate components: a fixed fastener attached to the seat and a removable fastener attached to the seat cover. This segmentation allows the cover to be easily removed for cleaning while preventing premature engagement during installation, as the operator can position the cover first then attach the removable fastener.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fastener system transitions from a static engagement mechanism to a dynamic one where the removable fastener can be positioned and adjusted before final attachment. This allows the seat cover to be repositioned during installation to eliminate wrinkles and achieve proper orientation before the fasteners engage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If traditional attachment devices are used, then the seat cover is securely attached, but repositioning requires removal and adds significant time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of attachmentVSAvoidtime required for repositioning

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system allows for dynamic adjustment during installation by enabling the seat cover to be repositioned before final attachment. The removable fastener design permits easy detachment and reattachment, reducing the time penalty for repositioning while maintaining secure attachment when properly installed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operator can perform preliminary positioning and adjustment of the seat cover before attaching the removable fastener. This preliminary action allows wrinkles to be removed and proper orientation to be achieved before final attachment, preventing the need for time-consuming removal and reattachment cycles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If traditional hook and loop fasteners are used, then the seat cover can be attached without special tools, but the hooks engage prematurely in incorrect orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool-free attachmentVSAvoidorientation accuracy of seat cover

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the fastener into fixed and removable components, the system allows the seat cover to be positioned in the correct orientation first, then the removable fastener is attached. This prevents premature engagement that would lock the cover in an incorrect orientation, while still maintaining tool-free attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The correct orientation of the seat cover is established as a preliminary action before attachment. The removable fastener design enables the operator to visually confirm proper orientation and positioning before engaging the fasteners, ensuring manufacturing precision without requiring special alignment tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enables efficient and frustration-free attachment of seat covers by preventing premature engagement, allowing for easy sliding and repositioning, thus improving the ease of use and reducing the time required for proper attachment.

Implementation Method 1

a first portion of the seat cushion includes a unidirectional hook-and-loop fastener structure having a plurality of hooks configured to engage with a plurality of loops

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3815968B1Application of unidirectional hook and loop attachment to aircraft seat upholstery application

Publication Date: 2023.03.22 BE AEROSPACE INC

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Figure 3A~3B

AI summary

A system for attaching a seat cover to a seat, seat cushion, and/or seat frame is disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the system includes a seat cover, a seat, seat cushion, and/or seat frame, and a hook and loop fastener structure. The system further includes a first part of the hook and loop fastener structure attached to the seat cover, seat, seat cushion, and/or seat frame comprised of a plurality of hooks configured to align in a single direction. The system further includes a second part of the hook and loop fastener structure attached to the seat, seat cover, seat cushion, and/or seat frame comprised of a plurality of loops configured so that at least a portion of the plurality of loops is configured to attach to at least a portion of the plurality of hooks.