BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1A is an exploded perspective view of components of a conventional seat track mounting assembly.
FIG. 1B is a top plan view of the seat track of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 1C is a front elevational view of the seat track of FIG. 1A.
FIG. 2A is an exploded perspective view of components of a seat track mounting assembly of the present invention.
FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view of the seat track mounting assembly of FIG. 3A.
FIGS. 3A-D present views of a second embodiment of the seat track mounting assembly of the present invention.
FIGS. 4A-D present views of a third embodiment of the seat track mounting assembly of the present invention.
FIGS. 5A-D present views of a fourth embodiment of the seat track mounting assembly of the present invention.
FIGS. 6A-D present views of a fifth embodiment of the seat track mounting assembly of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Illustrated in FIGS. 2A-B is mounting system 100. System 100 is configured to function as an interface between a test fixture and an object to be tested. As shown in FIGS. 2A-B, system 100 may connect seat track 70 to load cell 26. However, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize that system 100 may be useful in other situations as well.
An exemplary version of system 100 includes brackets 104A-B, rectangular sections 108A-B, and clamping members 112A-B. These or similar components function to clamp seat track 70 in a suitable position relative to load cell 26. They do so without any need to drill holes in base plate 14 of the track 70, thus avoiding potential structural degradation of the plate 14 during test.
Each of brackets 104A and 104B may comprise two elongated legs, preferably integrally formed at a right angle. Preferred bracket 104A, therefore, may include horizontally-oriented leg 116A and vertically-oriented leg 120A. Bracket 104B, similarly, may comprise horizontally- and vertically-oriented legs 116B and 120B, respectively. One or more holes 124 penetrate each of horizontally-oriented legs 116A-B, while at least one hole 128 penetrates each of vertically-oriented legs 120A-B. Holes 124 and 128 are adapted to receive cap screws or other fasteners 132 during assembly of system 100. Openings 132 in clamping members 112A-B, further, receive fasteners in order to connect system 100 to load cell 26.
Assembly of system 100 is relatively straightforward. Vertical member 74 may be clamped between clamping members 112A-B, which are attached directly to load cell 26. Each of segments 136 and 140 opposite crown 18 of base plate 14 may also be clamped between horizontally-oriented legs 116A and 116B, respectively, and rectangular sections 108A and 108B. Thus, when vertically-oriented legs 120A and 120B are attached to respective clamping members 112A and 112B, seat track 70 is firmly connected to the testing fixture.
FIGS. 3A-6D illustrate alternative assemblies to system 100. System 200, for example, may include brackets 204A-B as well as clamping members 208A-B. Bolts 212 or other fasteners may connect clamping members 208A-B to load cell 26. Further, bolts 216 or other fasteners may extend from clamping member 208B through openings 220 of vertical member 74 into openings 224 of clamping member 208A to secure seat track 70 in place. Brackets 204A-B may attach to respective clamping members 208A-B, with horizontally-oriented legs 228A-B contacting segments 136 and 140 of base plate 14. As illustrated in FIGS. 3A-D, brackets 204A-B may be one- or multi-piece and may have complex shape if desired. Such complex shapes may especially be useful if seat track 10 is to be tested, as no vertical member would be present for clamping. Instead, clamping would occur solely by positioning base plate 14 between brackets 204A-B and clamping members 208A-B.
FIGS. 4A-D detail alternative system 300 comprising clamp blocks 304A-B and clamp devices 308A-B. Clamp blocks 304A-B may be connected directly to load cell 26. Holes 312 may be made in segments 136 and 140 of base plate 14, and holes 316 may be present in clamp devices 308A-B. Fasteners 320 may then pass through corresponding holes 312 and 316 to fix the position of base plate 14 relative to load cell 26.
FIGS. 5A-D depict alternative system 400. System 400 includes central clamping members 404A-B secured directly to load cell 26 (preferably using countersunk bolts). Secondary clamping members 408A-B attach to, respectively, central clamping members 404A-B and provide support surfaces for base plate 14. Clamp devices 412A-B may then sandwich base plate 14, with fasteners 416 passing through openings 420 of the clamp devices 412A-B and openings 424 made in base plate 14 so as to be received by openings 428 of secondary clamping members 408A-B.
FIGS. 6A-D, finally, show alternative system 500 of the present invention. System 500 is generally similar to system 100, although it may include fasteners 504 passing through openings 508 in vertical member 74 of seat track 70. If vertical member 74 is not present, clamping of segments 136 and 140 may continue to occur.
The foregoing is provided for purposes of illustrating, explaining, and describing exemplary embodiments and certain benefits of the present invention. Modifications and adaptations to the illustrated and described embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the relevant art and may be made without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. Additionally, although systems and methods described herein are designed principally for testing of components relating to aircraft seats, any or all of them may relate to other seats (vehicular or otherwise) or be used for other purposes as appropriate or desired.
Patent Application
20080001050
