Method of manufacturing a composite leg structure for a lightweight aircraft seat assembly
US8590126B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 26, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 26, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 29, 2031 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10T29/49622
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An aircraft passenger seat configured in accordance with an embodiment of the invention utilizes composite materials to achieve significant weight savings relative to conventional seat designs. The seat includes one or more lightweight composite support legs, a lightweight composite seat pan, and a lightweight composite seat back structure. The support legs are coupled to the seat pan, which is in turn coupled to the seat back structure. The support legs utilize composite frame elements that are formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The seat pan includes composite fore and aft cross beams that are also formed as continuous compression molded composite extrusions. The aft cross beam includes a rear flange that serves as a flexible “hinge” for the seat back structure. The seat can leverage producible and relatively inexpensive composite manufacturing techniques such that the seat can be economically produced for use as an economy class seat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.