US20210394907A1 - Seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using seat track fittings - Google Patents
Seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using seat track fittings Download PDFInfo
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- US20210394907A1 US20210394907A1 US17/465,500 US202117465500A US2021394907A1 US 20210394907 A1 US20210394907 A1 US 20210394907A1 US 202117465500 A US202117465500 A US 202117465500A US 2021394907 A1 US2021394907 A1 US 2021394907A1
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title abstract description 41
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N Titanium Chemical compound [Ti] RTAQQCXQSZGOHL-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N methane Chemical compound C VNWKTOKETHGBQD-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229910052719 titanium Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010936 titanium Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 229920000049 Carbon (fiber) Polymers 0.000 claims 1
- 239000004917 carbon fiber Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 claims 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 abstract description 18
- 239000011295 pitch Substances 0.000 description 16
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 6
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000013461 design Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012423 maintenance Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 230000010354 integration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
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- 238000009419 refurbishment Methods 0.000 description 1
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64D—EQUIPMENT FOR FITTING IN OR TO AIRCRAFT; FLIGHT SUITS; PARACHUTES; ARRANGEMENTS OR MOUNTING OF POWER PLANTS OR PROPULSION TRANSMISSIONS IN AIRCRAFT
- B64D11/00—Passenger or crew accommodation; Flight-deck installations not otherwise provided for
- B64D11/06—Arrangements of seats, or adaptations or details specially adapted for aircraft seats
- B64D11/0696—Means for fastening seats to floors, e.g. to floor rails
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B64—AIRCRAFT; AVIATION; COSMONAUTICS
- B64F—GROUND OR AIRCRAFT-CARRIER-DECK INSTALLATIONS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR USE IN CONNECTION WITH AIRCRAFT; DESIGNING, MANUFACTURING, ASSEMBLING, CLEANING, MAINTAINING OR REPAIRING AIRCRAFT, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; HANDLING, TRANSPORTING, TESTING OR INSPECTING AIRCRAFT COMPONENTS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- B64F5/00—Designing, manufacturing, assembling, cleaning, maintaining or repairing aircraft, not otherwise provided for; Handling, transporting, testing or inspecting aircraft components, not otherwise provided for
- B64F5/10—Manufacturing or assembling aircraft, e.g. jigs therefor
Definitions
- a typical passenger aircraft is equipped with seats for passengers to occupy during flight. These seats are typically on seat tracks extending through the aircraft cabin.
- the seats are arranged in rows and aisles, with specific seat pitches determining the space between two adjacent rows.
- the seat tracks may have multiple attachment points allowing different seat arrangements in the cabin.
- the seat pitch SP
- the seat pitch may be adjusted by moving the seats along the tracks and attaching the seats to new attachment points on the tracks. Changing the seat pitch allows increasing or decreasing the aircraft capacity and legroom (e.g., to address seasonal and route demand fluctuations).
- airlines and other aircraft operators are often interested in being able to reconfigure an aircraft cabin in a fast and efficient manner.
- a typical airline may operate many different makes and models of aircraft using different seats and seat tracks.
- an airline may be interested in reconfiguring aircraft cabins at different locations (e.g., at multiple hubs or even airports). Managing stocks of different types of seats (e.g., at different locations where reconfigurations may occur) and matching these seats to specific seat tracks can be very challenging.
- seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using these seat track fittings such that the same seat can be installed on different types of seat tracks, in one case using seat track fittings and in another case without seat track fittings.
- a seat track fitting comprises a leg support, a pin, and a base interconnecting the leg support and pin.
- the pin is inserted into an attachment opening of the seat track.
- the attachment opening is selected based on the desired position of a seat.
- a removable fastener then protrudes through the base of the seat track fitting and is inserted into another attachment opening of the seat track.
- the seat is then attached to the seat track fitting by inserting the stud end of the seat into the leg support of the seat track fitting and fixing the stud end within the leg support.
- Method 300 for installing seat 110 on seat track 190 in an aircraft cabin comprising:
- support opening 263 comprises first semicircular portion 264 , concentric with base opening 215
- installing removable fastener 290 comprises protruding removable fastener 290 through first semicircular portion 264 , base opening 215 , and second attachment opening 194 and tightening fastener nut 292 of removable fastener 290 against first planar surface 211 .
- Method 300 of paragraph A2, wherein tightening fastener nut 292 against first planar surface 211 comprises flaring end 294 of removable fastener 290 inside track channel 199 of seat track 190 .
- Method 300 of paragraph A5, wherein attaching seat 110 to seat track fitting 200 comprises:
- support opening 263 comprises second semicircular portion 265
- stud end 115 is protruded into channel 260 through second semicircular portion 265 .
- support opening 263 comprises linear portion 256 defined by first linear part 246 of first inner lip edge 245 of first lip 244 and by second linear part 256 of second inner lip edge 255 of second lip 254 , and wherein, after sliding seat 110 along first axis 201 , stud 114 protrudes through linear portion 266 .
- Seat track fitting 200 having first axis 201 , second axis 202 , and third axis 203 , wherein first axis 201 is perpendicular to second axis 202 and to third axis 203 and wherein second axis 202 is perpendicular to third axis 203 , seat track fitting 200 comprising:
- support opening 263 comprises first semicircular portion 264 and second semicircular portion 265 , and wherein first semicircular portion 264 is concentric with base opening 215 .
- support opening 263 comprises linear portion 266 defined by first linear part 246 of first inner lip edge 245 of first lip 244 and by second linear part 256 of second inner lip edge 255 of second lip 254 , and wherein first linear part 246 and second linear part 256 are both parallel to first axis 201 .
- linear portion 266 has a width (W 1 ) less than a diameter (D 1 ) of second semicircular portion 265 , and wherein linear portion 266 has a length (L 2 ) greater than the diameter (D 1 ) of second semicircular portion 265 .
- first wall 242 comprises first inner curved wall 243
- second wall 252 comprises second inner curved wall 253 , defining, together with first inner curved wall 243 , first planar surface 211 , first channel portion 261 , and the boundary of second channel portion 262 .
- first leg support portion 240 and second leg support portion 250 are symmetrical relative to virtual plane 205 containing first axis 201 and third axis 203 .
- FIG. 1A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a passenger aircraft, comprising a cabin and passenger seats, positioned within the cabin and supported on a seat track.
- FIG. 18 is a schematic top cross-sectional view inside the cabin of the passenger aircraft, illustrating an arrangement of the passenger seats and seat tracks.
- FIG. 1C illustrates two adjacent passenger seats supported on a seat track, in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom portion of the passenger seat, in accordance with some examples.
- FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate two examples of seat tracks used in aircraft for supporting passenger seats.
- FIG. 1G illustrates the passenger seat of FIG. 1D attached to and supported by the seat track of FIG. 1F , in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a seat track fitting and a corresponding removable fastener used for securing the seat track fitting on a seat track, in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the seat track fitting of FIG. 2A , illustrating the pin extending from the second planar surface of the seat track fitting, in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 2C is a top view of the seat track fitting of FIG. 2A , illustrating various features of the support opening of the seat track fitting, in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 2D is a front view of the seat track fitting of FIG. 2A , illustrating a channel for receiving a stud end of the passenger seat of FIG. 1A and a fastener nut of the removable fastener, in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 3 is a process flowchart corresponding to a method for installing a passenger seat on a seat track in an aircraft cabin using a seat track fitting, in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a passenger seat attached to a seat track using a seat track fitting, in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the seat track fitting attached to the seat track, in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 5 is a process flowchart corresponding to a method for manufacturing and service the aircraft.
- FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example of an aircraft, in accordance with some examples.
- FIG. 1A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of aircraft 1402 .
- Aircraft 1402 comprises cabin 100 , which is a part of interior 1422 of aircraft 1402 . Additional details of aircraft 1402 and interior 1422 are described below with reference to FIG. 6 .
- Seats 110 are positioned inside cabin 100 and supported on seat track 190 .
- FIG. 1B is a schematic top cross-sectional view inside cabin 100 , illustrating an arrangement of seats 110 and seat tracks 190 .
- seats 110 are arranged in rows (along the Y direction) and aisles (along the X direction).
- the X, Y, and Z directions, shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B are parallel to corresponding axes of seat track fittings, which are described below.
- the X-axis also corresponds to the longitudinal axis or the roll axis of aircraft 1402 .
- the Y-axis corresponds to the lateral axis or the pitch axis.
- the Z-axis also corresponds to the vertical axis or the yaw axis.
- Each set of seats 110 which may include one or more seats, is supported using at least two seat tracks 190 .
- Seat tracks 190 extend in the X direction and allow changing the space between adjacent rows of seats 110 . This space is determined by a seat pitch (SP), which is schematically shown in FIG. 1C .
- SP seat pitch
- the seat pitch can be changed by moving one or both adjacent seats along seat track 190 .
- FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom portion of seat 110 .
- This bottom portion is used for attaching seat 110 to a seat track or, more specifically, for attaching directly to different-type seat track 130 shown in FIG. 1F .
- This direct attachment is shown in FIG. 1G and further described below with reference to this figure.
- the bottom portion of seat 110 shown in FIG. 10 cannot be directly attached to seat track 190 shown in FIG. 1E . While different types of seats may be used and directly attached to seat track 190 , stocking different types of seats is challenging to aircraft operators.
- seat 110 comprises leg 112 and stud 114 .
- Stud 114 is connected to the end of leg 112 and terminates with stud end 115 .
- Stud end 115 may be shaped as a disk, which has a diameter larger than that of stud 114 .
- stud 114 has a thread, threadably engaging stud nut 116 .
- Stud end 115 is configured to be inserted and engage either a seat track directly or using a seat track fitting as further described below.
- FIG. 1E illustrates one example of seat track 190 .
- Seat track 190 comprises track support 192 for receiving a seat leg and, in some examples, supporting floor panels.
- Track support 192 has a planar surface and comprises multiple attachment openings 195 .
- a pair of two adjacent attachment openings 195 is separated by a seat track pitch (P), which should be distinguished from the seat pitch (SP) described above.
- the seat track pitch (P) represents an increment by which the seat pitch (SP) can be changed.
- additional adjustment to the seat pitch is provided by seat track fittings, as further described below with reference to FIG. 2C .
- FIG. 1E identifies first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening 194 , which are used for attaching a seat track fitting and which will be further described below with reference to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B .
- An additional opening, i.e., third attachment opening 196 is disposed between first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening 194 .
- first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening 194 are separated by double the seat pitch (SP).
- SP seat pitch
- FIG. 1F illustrates different-type seat track 130 , which is designed for direct attachment to seat 110 of FIGS. 1C and 1D .
- Different-type seat track 130 also comprises track support 192 .
- different-type seat track 130 comprises protrusion 132 extending above track support 192 .
- Protrusion 132 is used to receive stud end 115 as, for example, shown in FIG. 1G , and secure leg 112 when stud nut 116 is tightened against protrusion 132 .
- a seat track fitting is not needed for the attachment of seat 110 to different-type seat track 130 .
- some aircraft of an aircraft operator may be equipped with seat track 190 shown in FIG. 1E , while other aircraft may be equipped with different-type seat track 130 shown in FIG. 1F .
- FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate seat track fitting 200 , in accordance with some embodiments.
- Seat track fitting 200 is configured for attaching to seat track 190 , shown in FIG. 1E , and to seat 110 of FIGS. 1C and 1D and interconnect seat track 190 to seat 110 .
- seat track fitting 200 is a part of seat track fitting kit 299 .
- Seat track fitting kit 299 also comprises removable fastener 290 for attaching seat track fitting 200 to seat track 190 .
- the overall process of installing seat 110 on seat track 190 using seat track fitting 200 is described below with reference to FIG. 3 as well as FIGS. 4A-4B .
- seat track fitting 200 has, and is defined with respect to, first axis 201 , second axis 202 , and third axis 203 .
- First axis 201 is perpendicular to each of second axis 202 and third axis 203 .
- Second axis 202 is also perpendicular to third axis 203 .
- first axis 201 is parallel to the X-direction identified in various figures
- second axis 202 is parallel to the Y direction
- third axis 203 is parallel to the Z direction.
- the X, Y, and Z directions are described above with reference to aircraft 1402 . It should be noted that various forces are applied to seat track fitting 200 along the X, Y, and Z directions during operation of aircraft 1402 .
- Seat track fitting 200 comprises base 210 , leg support 230 , and pin 270 .
- Base 210 interconnects leg support 230 and pin 270 .
- base 210 , leg support 230 , and pin 270 are monolithic (e.g., formed from the same block of material).
- the monolithic aspect ensures the mechanical performance of seat track fitting 200 , while allowing keeping the size of seat track fitting 200 rather small (e.g., not to impact the height of seat 110 relative to the floor).
- Various materials are suitable for seat track fitting 200 , such as aluminum, titanium, steel, carbon-fiber composites, and the like. In general, the materials for seat track fitting 200 are lightweight yet mechanically strong, which are key considerations for aircraft applications.
- base 210 comprises first planar surface 211 , second planar surface 212 , and base opening 215 .
- first planar surface 211 is parallel to second planar surface 212 . More specifically, first planar surface 211 is offset relative to second planar surface 212 along third axis 203 of seat track fatting 200 .
- the distance between first planar surface 211 and second planar surface 212 may be referred to as a thickness of base 210 . As noted above, the thickness should be relatively small to avoid an excessive increase in height of the seat above the floor.
- base 210 has to maintain the position of leg support 230 relative to the seat track.
- First axis 201 and second axis 202 are defined such that first axis 201 and second axis 202 pass through first planar surface 211 .
- first planar surface 211 coincides with a virtual plane formed by first axis 201 and second axis 202 .
- Base opening 215 is a through hole and extends between first planar surface 211 and second planar surface 212 .
- Base opening 215 is centered relative to third axis 203 of seat track fitting 200 .
- first axis 201 and second axis 202 extend through the center of base opening 215 .
- All three axes i.e., first axis 201 , second axis 202 , and third axis 203 ) pass through the same point.
- Base opening 215 has a cylindrical shape or, more specifically, the shape of a round cylinder or a circular cylinder.
- removable fastener 290 protrudes through base opening 215 and forces first planar surface 211 toward seat track 190 .
- the diameter of base opening 215 is selected based on the diameter of removable fastener 290 (e.g., to ensure clearance fit).
- leg support 230 comprises first leg support portion 240 and second leg support portion 250 .
- first leg support portion 240 and second leg support portion 250 form channel 260 over first planar surface 211 of base 210 .
- Channel 260 extends along first axis 201 , as more clearly seen in FIG. 2A .
- Channel 260 is used for receiving removable fastener 290 during installation of seat track fitting 200 on seat track 190 .
- channel 260 is used for receiving stud end 115 of seat 110 and sliding stud end 115 within channel 260 along first axis 201 as further described below with reference to FIG. 3 .
- first leg support portion 240 comprises first lip 244 and first wall 242 .
- First wall 242 is monolithic with first lip 244 to base 210 and connects first lip 244 to base 210 .
- second leg support portion 250 comprises second lip 254 and second wall 252 .
- Second wall 252 is monolithic with second lip 254 to base 210 and connects second lip 254 to base 210 .
- channel 260 comprises first channel portion 261 , second channel portion 262 , and support opening 263 .
- First channel portion 261 is positioned between first lip 244 and second lip 254 along second axis 202 .
- Second channel portion 262 is positioned between first wall 242 and second wall 252 along second axis 202 .
- second channel portion 262 is positioned between first channel portion 261 and first planar surface 211 along third axis 203 .
- first channel portion 261 may be referred to as a top channel portion, while second channel portion 262 may be referred to as a bottom channel portion.
- second channel portion 262 is wider (in the direction along second axis 202 ) than first channel portion 261 .
- the cross-sectional shape of second channel portion 262 shown in FIG. 2D , conforms to the cross-sectional shape of stud end 115 and is constant along first axis 201 .
- the cross-sectional shape of first channel portion 261 is variable along first axis 201 , as further described above with reference to FIG. 2C .
- Support opening 263 is defined by first inner lip edge 245 of first lip 244 and second inner lip edge 255 of second lip 254 . Furthermore, support opening 263 is a part of the boundary of first channel portion 261 . During the installation of seat 110 , stud end 115 enters channel 260 through support opening 263 or, more specifically, through specific portions of support opening 263 as further described below with reference to FIG. 2C .
- pin 270 is monolithic with base 210 .
- Pin 270 extends from second planar surface 212 , along third axis 203 , and away from first planar surface 211 .
- pin 270 is inserted into one of the attachment openings 195 of seat track 190 .
- the diameter of pin 270 depends on the diameter of attachment openings 195 to ensure clearance fit.
- Pin 270 has a cylindrical shape or, more specifically, the shape of a round cylinder or a circular cylinder.
- the center distance (L 1 ) between pin 270 and base opening 215 is equal to double the seat track pitch (P). This distance ensures that both pin 270 and base opening 215 are aligned with corresponding attachment openings 195 of seat track 190 , such as first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening 194 shown in FIG. 1E .
- attachment openings 195 of seat track 190 such as first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening 194 shown in FIG. 1E .
- pin 270 and removable fastener 290 protruding through base opening 215 , are inserted into these attachment openings as further described below with reference to FIG. 3 .
- This center distance (L 1 ) ensures a relatively compact design of seat track fitting 200 while providing sufficient support, especially along first axis 201 .
- support opening 263 comprises first semicircular portion 264 and second semicircular portion 265 .
- First semicircular portion 264 is concentric with base opening 215 and is used for installation of removable fastener 290 , which at least partially protrudes through base opening 215 .
- Second semicircular portion 265 is used for receiving stud end 115 of seat 110 or, more specifically, allowing stud end 115 to protrude into second channel portion 262 .
- support opening 263 comprises linear portion 266 defined by first linear part 246 of first inner lip edge 245 and also defined by second linear part 256 of second inner lip edge 255 .
- first linear part 246 and second linear part 256 is parallel to first axis 201 .
- stud end 115 protrudes through second semicircular portion 265 and, while being positioned within second channel portion 262 , slides within second channel portion 262 into a space under linear portion 266 .
- stud 114 of seat 110 protrudes through linear portion 266 of support opening 263 .
- the diameter of stud 114 is smaller than the diameter of stud end 115 .
- Linear portion 266 has a width (W 1 ), which is smaller than the diameter (D 1 ) of second semicircular portion 265 .
- the width (W 1 ) of linear portion 266 may be larger than the diameter of stud 114 (e.g., to ensure clearance fit), but smaller than the diameter of stud end 115 .
- the diameter (D 1 ) of second semicircular portion 265 is larger than the diameter of stud end 115 (e.g., to ensure clearance fit).
- the diameter (D 1 ) of second semicircular portion 265 is the same as that of first semicircular portion 264 .
- stud end 115 of seat 110 protrudes through second semicircular portion 265 and is positioned in second channel portion 262 .
- seat 110 is slid along first axis 201 and stud end 115 is positioned under linear portion 266 , stud end 115 can no longer be extracted from second channel portion 262 .
- Stud end 115 is positioned between first planar surface 211 and the combination of first lip 244 and second lip 254 . In this position, stud end 115 can no longer move along third axis 203 .
- linear portion 266 has a length (L 2 ) that is larger than the diameter (D 1 ) of second semicircular portion 265 .
- This length (L 2 ) of linear portion 266 ensures that first lip 244 and second lip 254 provide sufficient support and engagement surfaces for stud end 115 when seat 110 is installed on seat track 190 using seat track fitting 200 .
- the length (L 2 ) also ensures fine-tuning of the seat pitch. In other words, the length (L 2 ) allows positioning stud 114 at multiple locations along the length (L 2 ).
- second semicircular portion 265 is positioned between first semicircular portion 264 and linear portion 266 along first axis 201 .
- stud end 115 is inserted through second semicircular portion 265
- stud end 115 is slid (along first axis 201 ) away from first semicircular portion 264 (and removable fastener 290 installed through first semicircular portion 264 ).
- removable fastener 290 prevents stud end 115 from sliding in another direction.
- first wall 242 comprises first inner curved wall 243
- second wall 252 comprises second inner curved wall 253
- First inner curved wall 243 and second inner curved wall 253 together with first planar surface 211 and first channel portion 261 , define the boundary of second channel portion 262 .
- stud end 115 stays within this boundary.
- first inner curved wall 243 and second inner curved wall 253 are conformal to the shape of stud end 115 , thereby preventing movement of stud end 115 with second channel portion 262 along second axis 202 .
- each of first inner curved wall 243 and second inner curved wall 253 is parallel to first axis 201 .
- the cross-sectional shape of second channel portion 262 within any plane perpendicular to first axis 201 is constant. This feature allows stud end 115 to slide within second channel portion 262 and be supported within second channel portion 262 at multiple different locations along first axis 201 .
- first leg support portion 240 and second leg support portion 250 are symmetrical relative to a virtual plane 205 containing first axis 201 and third axis 203 . Furthermore, support opening 263 is parallel to first planar surface 211 .
- the average width of first channel portion 261 , along second axis 202 is smaller than the average width of second channel portion 262 .
- the maximum width of first channel portion 261 , along second axis 202 is equal to the maximum width of second channel portion 262 .
- each of first channel portion 261 and second channel portion 262 extends, along first axis 201 , an entire length of seat track fitting 200 .
- FIG. 3 illustrates a process flowchart corresponding to method 300 of installing seat 110 on seat track 190 .
- Method 300 utilizes seat track fitting 200 , various examples of which are described above with reference to FIGS. 2A-2D . Specifically, method 300 commences with providing seat track fitting 200 (block 310 in FIG. 3 ).
- Seat track fitting 200 comprises base 210 , leg support 230 , and pin 270 , in some examples, having various features described above.
- Method 300 proceeds with inserting pin 270 of seat track fitting 200 into first attachment opening 193 of seat track 190 (block 320 ).
- First attachment opening 193 is selected based on the desired position of seat 110 on seat track 190 or, more generally, the desired position of seat 110 in cabin 100 of aircraft 1402 .
- first attachment opening 193 is positioned at a distance equal to the seat pitch from another attachment opening, which has already received or will receive a pin of another seat track fitting.
- first attachment opening 193 is identified using marking on seat track 190 , one or more references in the aircraft cabin, or the like.
- Method 300 may proceed with installing removable fastener 290 through second attachment opening 194 of seat track 190 and through base opening 215 of seat track fitting 200 (block 330 ).
- FIG. 4B illustrates a processing stage after the installation of removable fastener 290 .
- a part of removable fastener 290 protrudes through base 210 of seat track fitting 200 and also through track support 192 of seat track 190 .
- Another part of removable fastener 290 e.g., end 294 , extends into track channel 199 and may flare within channel 199 after the installation is complete.
- Yet another part of removable fastener 290 extends into channel 260 of leg support 230 .
- removable fastener 290 forces second planar surface 212 of base 210 of seat track fitting 200 toward track support 192 .
- removable fastener 290 are within the scope, such as Harper Engineering Part Number H3-1904-1. Using removable fastener 290 , rather than a permanent fastener, allows repositioning seat track fitting 200 at a new location. Furthermore, it should be noted that installing removable fastener 290 (block 330 ) is performed after inserting pin 270 of seat track fitting 200 into first attachment opening 193 of seat track 190 . As such, pin 270 provides alignment of seat track fitting 200 on seat track 190 , thereby simplifying the installing of removable fastener 290 .
- support opening 263 comprises first semicircular portion 264 , concentric with base opening 215 .
- installing removable fastener 290 comprises protruding removable fastener 290 through first semicircular portion 264 , base opening 215 , and second attachment opening 194 (block 332 ). A part of removable fastener 290 extends into track channel 199 .
- Installing removable fastener 290 also comprises tightening fastener nut 292 of removable fastener 290 against first planar surface 211 (block 333 ). In some examples, tightening fastener nut 292 causes end 294 of removable fastener 290 , which extends into track channel 199 , to flare (block 336 ).
- removable fastener 290 cannot be extracted from second attachment opening 194 , at least not without loosening fastener nut 292 . Furthermore, this feature allows installing removable fastener 290 from the side of seat track fitting 200 without a need for accessing track channel 199 (e.g., accessing under the floor). In some examples, after this operation, most of fastener nut 292 is positioned within channel 260 . A portion of removable fastener 290 may protrude above seat track fitting 200 .
- method 300 further comprises attaching seat 110 to seat track fitting 200 , supported on seat track 190 (block 340 ). In some examples, this seat attachment operation is performed after attaching seat track fitting 200 to seat track 190 . Alternatively, seat 110 is attached to seat track fitting 200 prior to attaching seat track fitting 200 to seat track 190 .
- attaching seat 110 to seat track fitting 200 comprises protruding stud end 115 of seat 110 into second channel portion 262 (block 342 ), sliding seat 110 along first axis 201 of seat track fitting 200 (block 344 ), rotating stud nut 116 of seat 110 relative to stud 114 (block 346 ), and tightening stud nut 116 against first lip 244 and second lip 254 (block 348 ).
- FIG. 4A illustrates a processing stage during these operations or, more specifically, after protruding stud end 115 of seat 110 into second channel portion 262 .
- stud 114 connects stud end 115 and leg 112 of seat 110 . Once stud end 115 of seat 110 is inserted into second channel portion 262 , stud 114 protrudes through first channel portion 261 . Furthermore, after stud nut 116 is tightened, each of first lip 244 and second lip 254 of leg support 230 is disposed and tightened between stud nut 116 and stud end 115 , thereby preventing stud 114 and other elements of seat 110 from moving along second axis 202 .
- support opening 263 comprises second semicircular portion 265 .
- stud end 115 protrudes into second channel portion 262 through second semicircular portion 265 .
- the diameter (D 1 ) of second semicircular portion 265 is larger than the width (W 1 ) of linear portion 266 .
- stud end 115 is slid within second channel portion 262 in the direction away from removable fastener 290 .
- removable fastener 290 does not interfere with the installation of seat 110 , even though a portion of removable fastener 290 extends into channel 260 .
- method 300 further comprises removing removable fastener 290 from second attachment opening 194 of seat track 190 and through base opening 215 of seat track fitting 200 (block 350 ) and removing seat track fitting 200 from seat track 190 (block 360 ). These operations can be repeated multiple times, e.g., for new locations of seat 110 .
- FIG. 8 various examples of seat track fitting 200 disclosed herein are used on aircraft 1402 . Accordingly, the manufacture of such appliances may be described in the context of an aircraft manufacturing and service method 1400 as shown in FIG. 8 and aircraft 1402 as shown in FIG. 9 .
- method 1400 may include specification and design 1404 of aircraft 1402 and material procurement 1406 .
- component, and subassembly manufacturing stages 1408 and system integration stage 1410 of aircraft 1402 takes place. Thereafter, aircraft 1402 may go through certification and delivery 1412 to be placed in service 1414 . While in service by a customer, aircraft 1402 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 1416 (which may also include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and so on).
- a system integrator may include without limitation any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors
- a third party may include without limitation any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers
- an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on.
- aircraft 1402 produced by method 1400 may include an airframe 1418 with high-level systems 1420 and interior 1422 , which includes cabin 100 , schematically shown in FIG. 4 .
- high-level systems 1420 include one or more of a propulsion system 1424 , an electrical system 1426 , a hydraulic system 1428 , and an environmental system 1430 .
- a propulsion system 1424 examples include one or more of a propulsion system 1424 , an electrical system 1426 , a hydraulic system 1428 , and an environmental system 1430 .
- an aerospace example is shown, the principles of the examples described herein may be applied to other industries.
- Devices and methods embodied herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of method 1400 .
- components or subassemblies corresponding to stages 1408 and 1410 may be fabricated or manufactured like components or subassemblies produced while aircraft 1402 is in service.
- one or more device examples, method examples, or a combination thereof may be utilized during stages 1408 and 1410 , for example, by substantially expediting assembly of or reducing the cost of aircraft 1402 .
- one or more device examples, method examples, or a combination thereof may be utilized while aircraft 1402 is in service, for example, and without limitation, for maintenance and service 1416 .
Abstract
Description
- This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/404,977, filed on May 7, 2019, which is incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes.
- A typical passenger aircraft is equipped with seats for passengers to occupy during flight. These seats are typically on seat tracks extending through the aircraft cabin. The seats are arranged in rows and aisles, with specific seat pitches determining the space between two adjacent rows. The seat tracks may have multiple attachment points allowing different seat arrangements in the cabin. For example, the seat pitch (SP) may be adjusted by moving the seats along the tracks and attaching the seats to new attachment points on the tracks. Changing the seat pitch allows increasing or decreasing the aircraft capacity and legroom (e.g., to address seasonal and route demand fluctuations). As such, airlines and other aircraft operators are often interested in being able to reconfigure an aircraft cabin in a fast and efficient manner. However, adding seats to aircraft or, more specifically, stocking correct types of seats, can be challenging due to different configurations of seat tracks and seats used in different aircraft. A typical airline may operate many different makes and models of aircraft using different seats and seat tracks. At the same time, an airline may be interested in reconfiguring aircraft cabins at different locations (e.g., at multiple hubs or even airports). Managing stocks of different types of seats (e.g., at different locations where reconfigurations may occur) and matching these seats to specific seat tracks can be very challenging.
- What is needed are seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using these seat track fittings such that the same seat can be installed on different types of seat tracks, in one case using seat track fittings and in another case without seat track fittings.
- Provided are seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using these seat track fittings such that the same seat can be installed on different types of seat tracks. A seat track fitting comprises a leg support, a pin, and a base interconnecting the leg support and pin. During the installation of the seat track fitting, the pin is inserted into an attachment opening of the seat track. The attachment opening is selected based on the desired position of a seat. A removable fastener then protrudes through the base of the seat track fitting and is inserted into another attachment opening of the seat track. The seat is then attached to the seat track fitting by inserting the stud end of the seat into the leg support of the seat track fitting and fixing the stud end within the leg support.
- Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of inventive features according to the present disclosure are described in the following enumerated paragraphs:
- A1.
Method 300 for installingseat 110 onseat track 190 in an aircraft cabin,method 300 comprising: -
- providing seat track fitting 200, having
first axis 201 and comprisingbase 210,leg support 230, andpin 270, wherein:-
base 210 comprises firstplanar surface 211, secondplanar surface 212, andbase opening 215; -
leg support 230 comprises firstleg support portion 240 and secondleg support portion 250, formingchannel 260 over firstplanar surface 211 ofbase 210 and comprising support opening 263; and -
pin 270 is monolithic withbase 210 and extends from secondplanar surface 212 away fromleg support 230;
-
- inserting
pin 270 of seat track fitting 200 into first attachment opening 193 ofseat track 190; and - installing
removable fastener 290 through second attachment opening 194 ofseat track 190 and throughbase opening 215 of seat track fitting 200, whereinremovable fastener 290 forces secondplanar surface 212 ofbase 210 of seat track fitting 200 towardtrack support 192 ofseat track 190.
- providing seat track fitting 200, having
- A2.
Method 300 of paragraph A1, wherein support opening 263 comprises firstsemicircular portion 264, concentric withbase opening 215, and wherein installingremovable fastener 290 comprises protrudingremovable fastener 290 through firstsemicircular portion 264,base opening 215, and second attachment opening 194 and tighteningfastener nut 292 ofremovable fastener 290 against firstplanar surface 211. - A3.
Method 300 of paragraph A2, wherein tighteningfastener nut 292 against firstplanar surface 211 comprises flaringend 294 ofremovable fastener 290 insidetrack channel 199 ofseat track 190. - A4.
Method 300 of paragraph A2, wherein at least a portion offastener nut 292 is positioned withinchannel 260. - A5.
Method 300 of any one of paragraphs A1-A4, further comprising attachingseat 110 toseat track fitting 200, supported onseat track 190. - A6.
Method 300 of paragraph A5, wherein attachingseat 110 toseat track fitting 200 comprises: -
- protruding
stud end 115 ofseat 110 intochannel 260; - sliding
seat 110 alongfirst axis 201 ofseat track fitting 200; - rotating
stud nut 116 ofseat 110 relative tostud 114, connectingstud end 115 andleg 112 ofseat 110; and - tightening
stud nut 116 againstfirst lip 244 of firstleg support portion 240 andsecond lip 254 of secondleg support portion 250, whereinfirst lip 244 andsecond lip 254 are disposed and tightened betweenstud nut 116 andstud end 115.
- protruding
- A7.
Method 300 of paragraph A5, wherein support opening 263 comprises secondsemicircular portion 265, and whereinstud end 115 is protruded intochannel 260 through secondsemicircular portion 265. - A8.
Method 300 of paragraph A7, wherein support opening 263 compriseslinear portion 256 defined by firstlinear part 246 of firstinner lip edge 245 offirst lip 244 and by secondlinear part 256 of secondinner lip edge 255 ofsecond lip 254, and wherein, after slidingseat 110 alongfirst axis 201,stud 114 protrudes throughlinear portion 266. - A9.
Method 300 of paragraph A6, wherein slidingseat 110 alongfirst axis 201 comprising slidingstud end 115 withinchannel 260 in a direction away fromremovable fastener 290. - A10.
Method 300 of any one of paragraphs A1-A9, further comprising removingremovable fastener 290 from second attachment opening 194 ofseat track 190 and through base opening 215 of seat track fitting 200 and removing seat track fitting 200 fromseat track 190. - B1. Seat track fitting 200 having
first axis 201,second axis 202, andthird axis 203, whereinfirst axis 201 is perpendicular tosecond axis 202 and tothird axis 203 and whereinsecond axis 202 is perpendicular tothird axis 203,seat track fitting 200 comprising: -
-
base 210, comprising firstplanar surface 211, secondplanar surface 212, andbase opening 215, wherein:- first
planar surface 211 is parallel to secondplanar surface 212 and containsfirst axis 201 andsecond axis 202 ofseat track fitting 200; - first
planar surface 211 is offset relative to secondplanar surface 212 alongthird axis 203 ofseat track fitting 200; and -
base opening 215 extends between firstplanar surface 211 and secondplanar surface 212 and is centered relative tothird axis 203 ofseat track fitting 200;
- first
-
leg support 230, comprising firstleg support portion 240 and secondleg support portion 250, formingchannel 260 over firstplanar surface 211 ofbase 210 and extending alongfirst axis 201, wherein:- first
leg support portion 240 comprisesfirst lip 244 andfirst wall 242, monolithic with and connectingfirst lip 244 tobase 210; - second
leg support portion 250 comprisessecond lip 254 andsecond wall 252, monolithic with and connectingsecond lip 254 tobase 210; -
channel 260 comprisesfirst channel portion 261,second channel portion 262, and support opening 263; -
first channel portion 261 is positioned betweenfirst lip 244 andsecond lip 254 alongsecond axis 202; -
second channel portion 262 is positioned betweenfirst wall 242 andsecond wall 252 alongsecond axis 202 and also betweenfirst channel portion 261 and firstplanar surface 211 alongthird axis 203; -
support opening 263 is defined by firstinner lip edge 245 offirst lip 244 and secondinner lip edge 255 ofsecond lip 254 and is a part of the boundary offirst channel portion 261; and
- first
-
pin 270, monolithic withbase 210 and extending from secondplanar surface 212 alongsecond axis 202.
-
- B2. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B1, wherein a center distance (L1) between
pin 270 andbase opening 215 is equal to double of a seat track pitch (P). - B3. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraph B1-B2, wherein
support opening 263 comprises firstsemicircular portion 264 and secondsemicircular portion 265, and wherein firstsemicircular portion 264 is concentric withbase opening 215. - B4. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B3, wherein
support opening 263 compriseslinear portion 266 defined by firstlinear part 246 of firstinner lip edge 245 offirst lip 244 and by secondlinear part 256 of secondinner lip edge 255 ofsecond lip 254, and wherein firstlinear part 246 and secondlinear part 256 are both parallel tofirst axis 201. - B5. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B4, wherein
linear portion 266 has a width (W1) less than a diameter (D1) of secondsemicircular portion 265, and whereinlinear portion 266 has a length (L2) greater than the diameter (D1) of secondsemicircular portion 265. - B6. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B4, wherein second
semicircular portion 265 is positioned between firstsemicircular portion 264 andlinear portion 266 alongfirst axis 201. - B7. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B6, wherein
first wall 242 comprises first innercurved wall 243, and whereinsecond wall 252 comprises second innercurved wall 253, defining, together with first innercurved wall 243, firstplanar surface 211,first channel portion 261, and the boundary ofsecond channel portion 262. - B8. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B7, wherein the shapes of first inner
curved wall 243 and second innercurved wall 253 are conformal to the shape ofstud end 115 ofseat 110. - B9. Seat track fitting 200 of paragraph B7, wherein first inner
curved wall 243 and second innercurved wall 253 are both parallel tofirst axis 201. - B10. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B9, wherein first
leg support portion 240 and secondleg support portion 250 are symmetrical relative tovirtual plane 205 containingfirst axis 201 andthird axis 203. - B11. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B10, wherein opening 263 is parallel to first
planar surface 211. - B12. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B11, wherein the average width of
first channel portion 261, alongsecond axis 202, is less than the average width ofsecond channel portion 262. - B13. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B12, wherein the maximum width of
first channel portion 261, alongsecond axis 202, is equal to the maximum width ofsecond channel portion 262. - B4. Seat track fitting 200 of any one of paragraphs B1-B13, wherein
first channel portion 261 andsecond channel portion 262 both extend, alongfirst axis 201, the entire length ofseat track fitting 200. -
FIG. 1A is a schematic side cross-sectional view of a passenger aircraft, comprising a cabin and passenger seats, positioned within the cabin and supported on a seat track. -
FIG. 18 is a schematic top cross-sectional view inside the cabin of the passenger aircraft, illustrating an arrangement of the passenger seats and seat tracks. -
FIG. 1C illustrates two adjacent passenger seats supported on a seat track, in accordance with some examples. -
FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom portion of the passenger seat, in accordance with some examples. -
FIGS. 1E and 1F illustrate two examples of seat tracks used in aircraft for supporting passenger seats. -
FIG. 1G illustrates the passenger seat ofFIG. 1D attached to and supported by the seat track ofFIG. 1F , in accordance with some examples. -
FIG. 2A is a top perspective view of a seat track fitting and a corresponding removable fastener used for securing the seat track fitting on a seat track, in accordance with some examples. -
FIG. 2B is a bottom perspective view of the seat track fitting ofFIG. 2A , illustrating the pin extending from the second planar surface of the seat track fitting, in accordance with some examples. -
FIG. 2C is a top view of the seat track fitting ofFIG. 2A , illustrating various features of the support opening of the seat track fitting, in accordance with some examples. -
FIG. 2D is a front view of the seat track fitting ofFIG. 2A , illustrating a channel for receiving a stud end of the passenger seat ofFIG. 1A and a fastener nut of the removable fastener, in accordance with some examples. -
FIG. 3 is a process flowchart corresponding to a method for installing a passenger seat on a seat track in an aircraft cabin using a seat track fitting, in accordance with some examples. -
FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of a passenger seat attached to a seat track using a seat track fitting, in accordance with some examples. -
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view of the seat track fitting attached to the seat track, in accordance with some examples. -
FIG. 5 is a process flowchart corresponding to a method for manufacturing and service the aircraft. -
FIG. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an example of an aircraft, in accordance with some examples. - In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presented concepts. In some examples, the presented concepts are practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process operations have not been described in detail so as to not unnecessarily obscure the described concepts. While some concepts will be described in conjunction with the specific examples, it will he understood that these examples are not intended to be limiting.
- Different makes and/or models of aircraft often use different types of seat tracks. This diversity complicates the process of reconfiguring aircraft cabins and, in particular, managing seat inventories. For example, different seat types are conventionally needed to accommodate different track types. At the same time, airlines would like to make this process of reconfiguring cabins seamless, regardless of the aircraft type, and available at multiple locations. Seat track fittings, described herein, provide an option for attaching the same type of seats to different types of seat tracks.
- Aircraft, cabins, seats, and seat tracks will now be briefly described with reference to
FIGS. 1A-1G to provide some context.FIG. 1A is a schematic side cross-sectional view ofaircraft 1402.Aircraft 1402 comprisescabin 100, which is a part of interior 1422 ofaircraft 1402. Additional details ofaircraft 1402 and interior 1422 are described below with reference toFIG. 6 .Seats 110 are positioned insidecabin 100 and supported onseat track 190. -
FIG. 1B is a schematic top cross-sectional view insidecabin 100, illustrating an arrangement ofseats 110 and seat tracks 190. Specifically,seats 110 are arranged in rows (along the Y direction) and aisles (along the X direction). It should be noted that the X, Y, and Z directions, shown inFIGS. 1A and 1B , are parallel to corresponding axes of seat track fittings, which are described below. The X-axis also corresponds to the longitudinal axis or the roll axis ofaircraft 1402. The Y-axis corresponds to the lateral axis or the pitch axis. Finally, the Z-axis also corresponds to the vertical axis or the yaw axis. Each set ofseats 110, which may include one or more seats, is supported using at least two seat tracks 190. Seat tracks 190 extend in the X direction and allow changing the space between adjacent rows ofseats 110. This space is determined by a seat pitch (SP), which is schematically shown inFIG. 1C . The seat pitch can be changed by moving one or both adjacent seats alongseat track 190. -
FIG. 1D illustrates a bottom portion ofseat 110. This bottom portion is used for attachingseat 110 to a seat track or, more specifically, for attaching directly to different-type seat track 130 shown inFIG. 1F . This direct attachment is shown inFIG. 1G and further described below with reference to this figure. However, the bottom portion ofseat 110 shown inFIG. 10 cannot be directly attached toseat track 190 shown inFIG. 1E . While different types of seats may be used and directly attached toseat track 190, stocking different types of seats is challenging to aircraft operators. - Referring to
FIG. 1D ,seat 110 comprisesleg 112 andstud 114.Stud 114 is connected to the end ofleg 112 and terminates withstud end 115.Stud end 115 may be shaped as a disk, which has a diameter larger than that ofstud 114. In some examples,stud 114 has a thread, threadably engagingstud nut 116.Stud end 115 is configured to be inserted and engage either a seat track directly or using a seat track fitting as further described below. -
FIG. 1E illustrates one example ofseat track 190.Seat track 190 comprisestrack support 192 for receiving a seat leg and, in some examples, supporting floor panels.Track support 192 has a planar surface and comprisesmultiple attachment openings 195. A pair of twoadjacent attachment openings 195 is separated by a seat track pitch (P), which should be distinguished from the seat pitch (SP) described above. The seat track pitch (P) represents an increment by which the seat pitch (SP) can be changed. In some embodiments, additional adjustment to the seat pitch is provided by seat track fittings, as further described below with reference toFIG. 2C . - Not all
attachment openings 195 are used for attaching to a seat or to a seat track fitting. For example,FIG. 1E identifies first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening 194, which are used for attaching a seat track fitting and which will be further described below with reference toFIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B . An additional opening, i.e., third attachment opening 196, is disposed between first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening 194. As such, first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening 194 are separated by double the seat pitch (SP). One having ordinary skill in the art would appreciate thatseat 110 ofFIGS. 1C and 1D cannot be attached directly toseat track 190 ofFIG. 1E . Instead, a seat track fitting is used for this purpose as further described below. -
FIG. 1F illustrates different-type seat track 130, which is designed for direct attachment toseat 110 ofFIGS. 1C and 1D . Different-type seat track 130 also comprisestrack support 192. However, instead of attachment openings, different-type seat track 130 comprisesprotrusion 132 extending abovetrack support 192.Protrusion 132 is used to receivestud end 115 as, for example, shown inFIG. 1G , andsecure leg 112 whenstud nut 116 is tightened againstprotrusion 132. A seat track fitting is not needed for the attachment ofseat 110 to different-type seat track 130. It should be noted that some aircraft of an aircraft operator may be equipped withseat track 190 shown inFIG. 1E , while other aircraft may be equipped with different-type seat track 130 shown inFIG. 1F . -
FIGS. 2A-2D illustrate seat track fitting 200, in accordance with some embodiments. Seat track fitting 200 is configured for attaching toseat track 190, shown inFIG. 1E , and toseat 110 ofFIGS. 1C and 1D andinterconnect seat track 190 toseat 110. As shown inFIG. 2A , in some examples, seat track fitting 200 is a part of seat trackfitting kit 299. Seat trackfitting kit 299 also comprisesremovable fastener 290 for attaching seat track fitting 200 toseat track 190. The overall process of installingseat 110 onseat track 190 using seat track fitting 200 is described below with reference toFIG. 3 as well asFIGS. 4A-4B . - Referring to
FIG. 2A , seat track fitting 200 has, and is defined with respect to,first axis 201,second axis 202, andthird axis 203.First axis 201 is perpendicular to each ofsecond axis 202 andthird axis 203.Second axis 202 is also perpendicular tothird axis 203. Furthermore,first axis 201 is parallel to the X-direction identified in various figures,second axis 202 is parallel to the Y direction, andthird axis 203 is parallel to the Z direction. The X, Y, and Z directions are described above with reference toaircraft 1402. It should be noted that various forces are applied to seat track fitting 200 along the X, Y, and Z directions during operation ofaircraft 1402. - Seat track fitting 200 comprises
base 210,leg support 230, andpin 270.Base 210 interconnectsleg support 230 andpin 270. Furthermore, in some examples,base 210,leg support 230, and pin 270 are monolithic (e.g., formed from the same block of material). The monolithic aspect ensures the mechanical performance of seat track fitting 200, while allowing keeping the size of seat track fitting 200 rather small (e.g., not to impact the height ofseat 110 relative to the floor). Various materials are suitable for seat track fitting 200, such as aluminum, titanium, steel, carbon-fiber composites, and the like. In general, the materials for seat track fitting 200 are lightweight yet mechanically strong, which are key considerations for aircraft applications. - Referring to
FIGS. 2A and 28 ,base 210 comprises firstplanar surface 211, secondplanar surface 212, andbase opening 215. In some examples, firstplanar surface 211 is parallel to secondplanar surface 212. More specifically, firstplanar surface 211 is offset relative to secondplanar surface 212 alongthird axis 203 ofseat track fatting 200. The distance between firstplanar surface 211 and secondplanar surface 212 may be referred to as a thickness ofbase 210. As noted above, the thickness should be relatively small to avoid an excessive increase in height of the seat above the floor. On the other hand,base 210 has to maintain the position ofleg support 230 relative to the seat track. -
First axis 201 andsecond axis 202 are defined such thatfirst axis 201 andsecond axis 202 pass through firstplanar surface 211. In other words, firstplanar surface 211 coincides with a virtual plane formed byfirst axis 201 andsecond axis 202. -
Base opening 215 is a through hole and extends between firstplanar surface 211 and secondplanar surface 212.Base opening 215 is centered relative tothird axis 203 ofseat track fitting 200. Furthermore,first axis 201 andsecond axis 202 extend through the center ofbase opening 215. In other words, all three axes (i.e.,first axis 201,second axis 202, and third axis 203) pass through the same point.Base opening 215 has a cylindrical shape or, more specifically, the shape of a round cylinder or a circular cylinder. - During the installation of seat track fitting 200 on
seat track 190,removable fastener 290 protrudes throughbase opening 215 and forces firstplanar surface 211 towardseat track 190. The diameter ofbase opening 215 is selected based on the diameter of removable fastener 290 (e.g., to ensure clearance fit). - Referring to
FIG. 2D ,leg support 230 comprises firstleg support portion 240 and secondleg support portion 250. Collectively, firstleg support portion 240 and secondleg support portion 250form channel 260 over firstplanar surface 211 ofbase 210.Channel 260 extends alongfirst axis 201, as more clearly seen inFIG. 2A .Channel 260 is used for receivingremovable fastener 290 during installation of seat track fitting 200 onseat track 190. Furthermore, during installation ofseat 110,channel 260 is used for receivingstud end 115 ofseat 110 and slidingstud end 115 withinchannel 260 alongfirst axis 201 as further described below with reference toFIG. 3 . - Referring to
FIG. 2D , firstleg support portion 240 comprisesfirst lip 244 andfirst wall 242.First wall 242 is monolithic withfirst lip 244 tobase 210 and connectsfirst lip 244 tobase 210. Similarly, secondleg support portion 250 comprisessecond lip 254 andsecond wall 252.Second wall 252 is monolithic withsecond lip 254 tobase 210 and connectssecond lip 254 tobase 210. - Referring to
FIG. 2D ,channel 260 comprisesfirst channel portion 261,second channel portion 262, andsupport opening 263.First channel portion 261 is positioned betweenfirst lip 244 andsecond lip 254 alongsecond axis 202.Second channel portion 262 is positioned betweenfirst wall 242 andsecond wall 252 alongsecond axis 202. Furthermore,second channel portion 262 is positioned betweenfirst channel portion 261 and firstplanar surface 211 alongthird axis 203. Without implying any orientation of seat track fitting 200,first channel portion 261 may be referred to as a top channel portion, whilesecond channel portion 262 may be referred to as a bottom channel portion. - Referring to
FIG. 2D ,second channel portion 262 is wider (in the direction along second axis 202) thanfirst channel portion 261. In some examples, the cross-sectional shape ofsecond channel portion 262, shown inFIG. 2D , conforms to the cross-sectional shape ofstud end 115 and is constant alongfirst axis 201. The cross-sectional shape offirst channel portion 261 is variable alongfirst axis 201, as further described above with reference toFIG. 2C . -
Support opening 263 is defined by firstinner lip edge 245 offirst lip 244 and secondinner lip edge 255 ofsecond lip 254. Furthermore, support opening 263 is a part of the boundary offirst channel portion 261. During the installation ofseat 110,stud end 115 enterschannel 260 through support opening 263 or, more specifically, through specific portions of support opening 263 as further described below with reference toFIG. 2C . - Referring to
FIGS. 2B and 2D , in some examples,pin 270 is monolithic withbase 210.Pin 270 extends from secondplanar surface 212, alongthird axis 203, and away from firstplanar surface 211. During the installation of seat track fitting 200 onseat track 190,pin 270 is inserted into one of theattachment openings 195 ofseat track 190. As such, the diameter ofpin 270 depends on the diameter ofattachment openings 195 to ensure clearance fit.Pin 270 has a cylindrical shape or, more specifically, the shape of a round cylinder or a circular cylinder. - Referring to
FIGS. 2C and 4B , in some examples, the center distance (L1) betweenpin 270 andbase opening 215 is equal to double the seat track pitch (P). This distance ensures that bothpin 270 andbase opening 215 are aligned withcorresponding attachment openings 195 ofseat track 190, such as first attachment opening 193 and second attachment opening 194 shown inFIG. 1E . In other words, during installation of seat track fitting 200 onseat track 190,pin 270 andremovable fastener 290, protruding throughbase opening 215, are inserted into these attachment openings as further described below with reference toFIG. 3 . This center distance (L1) ensures a relatively compact design of seat track fitting 200 while providing sufficient support, especially alongfirst axis 201. - Referring to
FIG. 2C , in some examples, support opening 263 comprises firstsemicircular portion 264 and secondsemicircular portion 265. Firstsemicircular portion 264 is concentric withbase opening 215 and is used for installation ofremovable fastener 290, which at least partially protrudes throughbase opening 215. Secondsemicircular portion 265 is used for receivingstud end 115 ofseat 110 or, more specifically, allowingstud end 115 to protrude intosecond channel portion 262. - Furthermore, in some examples, support opening 263 comprises
linear portion 266 defined by firstlinear part 246 of firstinner lip edge 245 and also defined by secondlinear part 256 of secondinner lip edge 255. Each of firstlinear part 246 and secondlinear part 256 is parallel tofirst axis 201. During the installation ofseat 110,stud end 115 protrudes through secondsemicircular portion 265 and, while being positioned withinsecond channel portion 262, slides withinsecond channel portion 262 into a space underlinear portion 266. As such, when the installation ofseat 110 is completed,stud 114 ofseat 110 protrudes throughlinear portion 266 ofsupport opening 263. As noted above, the diameter ofstud 114 is smaller than the diameter ofstud end 115. Oncestud end 115 is slid withinsecond channel portion 262 into a space underlinear portion 266,stud end 115 can no longer be retracted fromsecond channel portion 262. -
Linear portion 266 has a width (W1), which is smaller than the diameter (D1) of secondsemicircular portion 265. Specifically, the width (W1) oflinear portion 266 may be larger than the diameter of stud 114 (e.g., to ensure clearance fit), but smaller than the diameter ofstud end 115. The diameter (D1) of secondsemicircular portion 265 is larger than the diameter of stud end 115 (e.g., to ensure clearance fit). In some examples, the diameter (D1) of secondsemicircular portion 265 is the same as that of firstsemicircular portion 264. - Overall, during installation,
stud end 115 ofseat 110 protrudes through secondsemicircular portion 265 and is positioned insecond channel portion 262. Onceseat 110 is slid alongfirst axis 201 andstud end 115 is positioned underlinear portion 266,stud end 115 can no longer be extracted fromsecond channel portion 262.Stud end 115 is positioned between firstplanar surface 211 and the combination offirst lip 244 andsecond lip 254. In this position,stud end 115 can no longer move alongthird axis 203. - Referring to
FIG. 2C , in some examples,linear portion 266 has a length (L2) that is larger than the diameter (D1) of secondsemicircular portion 265. This length (L2) oflinear portion 266 ensures thatfirst lip 244 andsecond lip 254 provide sufficient support and engagement surfaces forstud end 115 whenseat 110 is installed onseat track 190 usingseat track fitting 200. Furthermore, the length (L2) also ensures fine-tuning of the seat pitch. In other words, the length (L2) allowspositioning stud 114 at multiple locations along the length (L2). - Referring to
FIG. 2C , in some examples, secondsemicircular portion 265 is positioned between firstsemicircular portion 264 andlinear portion 266 alongfirst axis 201. As such, whenstud end 115 is inserted through secondsemicircular portion 265,stud end 115 is slid (along first axis 201) away from first semicircular portion 264 (andremovable fastener 290 installed through first semicircular portion 264). In other words,removable fastener 290 prevents stud end 115 from sliding in another direction. - Referring to
FIG. 2D , in some examples,first wall 242 comprises first innercurved wall 243, whilesecond wall 252 comprises second innercurved wall 253, First innercurved wall 243 and second innercurved wall 253, together with firstplanar surface 211 andfirst channel portion 261, define the boundary ofsecond channel portion 262. After installation ofseat 110,stud end 115 stays within this boundary. Furthermore, in some examples, first innercurved wall 243 and second innercurved wall 253 are conformal to the shape ofstud end 115, thereby preventing movement ofstud end 115 withsecond channel portion 262 alongsecond axis 202. - In some examples, each of first inner
curved wall 243 and second innercurved wall 253 is parallel tofirst axis 201. As such, the cross-sectional shape ofsecond channel portion 262 within any plane perpendicular tofirst axis 201 is constant. This feature allowsstud end 115 to slide withinsecond channel portion 262 and be supported withinsecond channel portion 262 at multiple different locations alongfirst axis 201. - Referring to
FIG. 2D , in some examples, firstleg support portion 240 and secondleg support portion 250 are symmetrical relative to avirtual plane 205 containingfirst axis 201 andthird axis 203. Furthermore, support opening 263 is parallel to firstplanar surface 211. The average width offirst channel portion 261, alongsecond axis 202, is smaller than the average width ofsecond channel portion 262. The maximum width offirst channel portion 261, alongsecond axis 202, is equal to the maximum width ofsecond channel portion 262. Finally, each offirst channel portion 261 andsecond channel portion 262 extends, alongfirst axis 201, an entire length ofseat track fitting 200. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a process flowchart corresponding tomethod 300 of installingseat 110 onseat track 190.Method 300 utilizes seat track fitting 200, various examples of which are described above with reference toFIGS. 2A-2D . Specifically,method 300 commences with providing seat track fitting 200 (block 310 inFIG. 3 ). Seat track fitting 200 comprisesbase 210,leg support 230, and pin 270, in some examples, having various features described above. -
Method 300 proceeds with insertingpin 270 of seat track fitting 200 into first attachment opening 193 of seat track 190 (block 320). First attachment opening 193 is selected based on the desired position ofseat 110 onseat track 190 or, more generally, the desired position ofseat 110 incabin 100 ofaircraft 1402. In some examples, first attachment opening 193 is positioned at a distance equal to the seat pitch from another attachment opening, which has already received or will receive a pin of another seat track fitting. In some examples, first attachment opening 193 is identified using marking onseat track 190, one or more references in the aircraft cabin, or the like. -
Method 300 may proceed with installingremovable fastener 290 through second attachment opening 194 ofseat track 190 and through base opening 215 of seat track fitting 200 (block 330).FIG. 4B illustrates a processing stage after the installation ofremovable fastener 290. A part ofremovable fastener 290 protrudes throughbase 210 of seat track fitting 200 and also throughtrack support 192 ofseat track 190. Another part ofremovable fastener 290, e.g., end 294, extends intotrack channel 199 and may flare withinchannel 199 after the installation is complete. Yet another part ofremovable fastener 290 extends intochannel 260 ofleg support 230. After this installation,removable fastener 290 forces secondplanar surface 212 ofbase 210 of seat track fitting 200 towardtrack support 192. - Various examples of
removable fastener 290 are within the scope, such as Harper Engineering Part Number H3-1904-1. Usingremovable fastener 290, rather than a permanent fastener, allows repositioning seat track fitting 200 at a new location. Furthermore, it should be noted that installing removable fastener 290 (block 330) is performed after insertingpin 270 of seat track fitting 200 into first attachment opening 193 ofseat track 190. As such,pin 270 provides alignment of seat track fitting 200 onseat track 190, thereby simplifying the installing ofremovable fastener 290. - In some examples, support opening 263 comprises first
semicircular portion 264, concentric withbase opening 215. In these examples, installing removable fastener 290 (block 330) comprises protrudingremovable fastener 290 through firstsemicircular portion 264,base opening 215, and second attachment opening 194 (block 332). A part ofremovable fastener 290 extends intotrack channel 199. Installing removable fastener 290 (block 330) also comprises tighteningfastener nut 292 ofremovable fastener 290 against first planar surface 211 (block 333). In some examples, tighteningfastener nut 292 causes end 294 ofremovable fastener 290, which extends intotrack channel 199, to flare (block 336). After this operation,removable fastener 290 cannot be extracted from second attachment opening 194, at least not without looseningfastener nut 292. Furthermore, this feature allows installingremovable fastener 290 from the side of seat track fitting 200 without a need for accessing track channel 199 (e.g., accessing under the floor). In some examples, after this operation, most offastener nut 292 is positioned withinchannel 260. A portion ofremovable fastener 290 may protrude aboveseat track fitting 200. - In some examples,
method 300 further comprises attachingseat 110 to seat track fitting 200, supported on seat track 190 (block 340). In some examples, this seat attachment operation is performed after attaching seat track fitting 200 toseat track 190. Alternatively,seat 110 is attached to seat track fitting 200 prior to attaching seat track fitting 200 toseat track 190. - In some examples, attaching
seat 110 to seat track fitting 200 (block 340) comprises protrudingstud end 115 ofseat 110 into second channel portion 262 (block 342), slidingseat 110 alongfirst axis 201 of seat track fitting 200 (block 344), rotatingstud nut 116 ofseat 110 relative to stud 114 (block 346), and tighteningstud nut 116 againstfirst lip 244 and second lip 254 (block 348).FIG. 4A illustrates a processing stage during these operations or, more specifically, after protrudingstud end 115 ofseat 110 intosecond channel portion 262. - As described above,
stud 114 connectsstud end 115 andleg 112 ofseat 110. Oncestud end 115 ofseat 110 is inserted intosecond channel portion 262,stud 114 protrudes throughfirst channel portion 261. Furthermore, afterstud nut 116 is tightened, each offirst lip 244 andsecond lip 254 ofleg support 230 is disposed and tightened betweenstud nut 116 andstud end 115, thereby preventingstud 114 and other elements ofseat 110 from moving alongsecond axis 202. - Referring briefly to
FIG. 2C , in some examples, support opening 263 comprises secondsemicircular portion 265. In these examples,stud end 115 protrudes intosecond channel portion 262 through secondsemicircular portion 265. As noted above, the diameter (D1) of secondsemicircular portion 265 is larger than the width (W1) oflinear portion 266. This allowsstud end 115 to protrude intosecond channel portion 262, through secondsemicircular portion 265, and then slide withinsecond channel portion 262 to an area underlinear portion 266. More specifically,stud end 115 is slid withinsecond channel portion 262 in the direction away fromremovable fastener 290. As such,removable fastener 290 does not interfere with the installation ofseat 110, even though a portion ofremovable fastener 290 extends intochannel 260. - In some examples,
method 300 further comprises removingremovable fastener 290 from second attachment opening 194 ofseat track 190 and through base opening 215 of seat track fitting 200 (block 350) and removing seat track fitting 200 from seat track 190 (block 360). These operations can be repeated multiple times, e.g., for new locations ofseat 110. - As discussed above, various examples of seat track fitting 200 disclosed herein are used on
aircraft 1402. Accordingly, the manufacture of such appliances may be described in the context of an aircraft manufacturing andservice method 1400 as shown inFIG. 8 andaircraft 1402 as shown inFIG. 9 . During pre-production,method 1400 may include specification anddesign 1404 ofaircraft 1402 andmaterial procurement 1406. During production, component, andsubassembly manufacturing stages 1408 andsystem integration stage 1410 ofaircraft 1402 takes place. Thereafter,aircraft 1402 may go through certification anddelivery 1412 to be placed inservice 1414. While in service by a customer,aircraft 1402 is scheduled for routine maintenance and service 1416 (which may also include modification, reconfiguration, refurbishment, and so on). - Each of the processes of
method 1400 may be performed or carried out by a system integrator, a third party, and/or an operator (e.g., a customer). For this description, a system integrator may include without limitation any number of aircraft manufacturers and major-system subcontractors; a third party may include without limitation any number of vendors, subcontractors, and suppliers; and an operator may be an airline, leasing company, military entity, service organization, and so on. - As shown in
FIG. 15 ,aircraft 1402 produced bymethod 1400 may include anairframe 1418 with high-level systems 1420 and interior 1422, which includescabin 100, schematically shown inFIG. 4 . Examples of high-level systems 1420 include one or more of apropulsion system 1424, anelectrical system 1426, ahydraulic system 1428, and anenvironmental system 1430. Although an aerospace example is shown, the principles of the examples described herein may be applied to other industries. - Devices and methods embodied herein may be employed during any one or more of the stages of
method 1400. For example, components or subassemblies corresponding tostages aircraft 1402 is in service. Also, one or more device examples, method examples, or a combination thereof may be utilized duringstages aircraft 1402. Similarly, one or more device examples, method examples, or a combination thereof may be utilized whileaircraft 1402 is in service, for example, and without limitation, for maintenance andservice 1416. - Although the foregoing concepts have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be apparent that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the processes, systems, and apparatus. Accordingly, the present examples are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive.
Claims (20)
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US17/465,500 US20210394907A1 (en) | 2019-05-07 | 2021-09-02 | Seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using seat track fittings |
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US16/404,977 US11136129B2 (en) | 2019-05-07 | 2019-05-07 | Seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using seat track fittings |
US17/465,500 US20210394907A1 (en) | 2019-05-07 | 2021-09-02 | Seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using seat track fittings |
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US17/465,500 Pending US20210394907A1 (en) | 2019-05-07 | 2021-09-02 | Seat track fittings and methods for installing passenger seats in aircraft cabins using seat track fittings |
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Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20190092478A1 (en) * | 2016-03-10 | 2019-03-28 | Zodiac Seats Us Llc | Track fitting adaptor |
US20200307799A1 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2020-10-01 | The Boeing Company | Seat positioning systems and methods |
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US5823727A (en) * | 1998-04-02 | 1998-10-20 | Lee; Ray | Anchor fittings for securing objects on a elongated track |
US8191829B2 (en) * | 2008-11-12 | 2012-06-05 | The Boeing Company | Seat track adapter |
US8444359B2 (en) | 2010-10-04 | 2013-05-21 | The Boeing Company | Seat track and monument attach fastener |
CA2937937A1 (en) * | 2014-02-18 | 2015-09-03 | Centrix Llc | One piece screws for, and methods for making and using, blind side fasteners and systems with free spin feature |
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US20190092478A1 (en) * | 2016-03-10 | 2019-03-28 | Zodiac Seats Us Llc | Track fitting adaptor |
US11008108B2 (en) * | 2016-03-10 | 2021-05-18 | Safran Seats Usa Llc | Track fitting adaptor |
US20200307799A1 (en) * | 2019-03-29 | 2020-10-01 | The Boeing Company | Seat positioning systems and methods |
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