Abstract: A method of manufacturing an energy absorber and a method for thermally treating an additively manufactured energy absorber to maximize energy absorbing performance. In embodiments, thermally treating the manufactured energy absorber includes heating the build plate including the built energy absorber in a heating furnace to a solutionizing temperature in a range of 300° C. to 550° C., more preferably substantially 430° C., maintaining the solutionizing temperature for a predefined time period, and water quenching the heated build plate including the built energy absorber. In embodiments, following the thermal treatment, the built energy absorber is detached from the build plate and optionally subjected to a finish process. In embodiments, the energy absorber comprises the aluminum alloy AlSi10Mg.

Abstract: A protection system including a removal element having shape-memory characteristics. The shape-memory characteristics have been configured to define a first shape of the removal element and a second shape of the removal element. When the removal element is in the first shape, the removal element is in a first position with respect to a to-be-protected (TBP) region of a structure. When the removal element is in the second shape, the removal element is in a second position with respect to the TBP region of the structure. The removal element is responsive to an activation that prompts the removal element to, under influence of the shape-memory characteristics, take on the second shape.

Abstract: A seat pan includes a break over function. The break over enables downward motion of a portion of the seat pan. The downward motion of the portion of the seat pan allows a distance between passenger seats to be reduced while maintaining a minimum required egress distance between the passenger seats. The breakover seat pan assists in egress. The portion of the seat pan may be actuated upwards to increase the length of the seat pan while a passenger is seated. The seat pan thus creates a supported seat surface when an occupant sits on the seat while presenting with a reduced surface when not occupied.

Abstract: A rotary lap belt energy attenuator for reducing inertial loads on seat components. In embodiments, a shackle assembly includes a seat frame component, a shackle pivotally attached to the seat component and attachable to a lap belt component, a deformable link attached to the shackle and the seat component, an attachment guide configured to travel along the guideway, and an energy attenuator positioned in the guideway. In use, each of the deformable link and the energy attenuator undergo plastic deformation during rotary motion of the shackle to attenuate impact energy.

Abstract: A system may comprise: a contactless sensor configured to couple to a waste tank; a controller electronically coupled to the contactless sensor, the controller configured to: receive, via the contactless sensor, a waste water level data from the contactless sensor, calculate a waste water level based on the waste water level data.

Abstract: A system includes a seat pan assembly. The seat pan assembly may include a fixed link having a fore end and an aft end. The seat pan assembly may further include an aft driver link having an aft driver link fore end and an aft driver link aft end, wherein the aft driver link fore end is pivotably coupled to the aft end of the fixed link. The seat pan assembly may further include a fore driven link having a fore driven link fore end and a fore driven link aft end, wherein the fore driven link aft end is pivotably coupled to the fore end of the fixed link.

Abstract: A rotary lap belt energy attenuator for reducing inertial loads on seat components. In embodiments, a shackle assembly includes a seat frame component, a shackle pivotally attached to the seat component and attachable to a lap belt component, a deformable link attached to the shackle and the seat component, an attachment guide configured to travel along the guideway, and an energy attenuator positioned in the guideway. In use, each of the deformable link and the energy attenuator undergo plastic deformation during rotary motion of the shackle to attenuate impact energy.

Abstract: An additively manufactured strut device including a cylinder body forming a chamber and a piston having a first part disposed in the internal chamber and a second part disposed outside of the chamber. A first deformable element formed as a lattice structure breaks to permit initial withdrawal of the piston when a tensive threshold is met and a second deformable crushes during continued withdrawal of the piston. In further embodiments, a third deformable element formed as a lattice structure may be collocated with the second deformable element. The strut may be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process. Applications for the energy absorbing strut include aircraft seat frames among other applications.

Abstract: A connecting link for connecting first and second components such as an aircraft seat leg and a track fastener. The link includes a helical middle portion forming an interior space in which an energy attenuator is positioned. In embodiments, the energy attenuator includes inner and outer cylindrical bodies that operate in translation upon a deformation of a lattice structure configured to deform when at least one of a compressive threshold and a tensive threshold is met. In embodiments, the energy attenuator receives part of one of the first and second components. The connecting link may be manufactured by an additive manufacturing process and used in an aircraft leg assembly to save weight and absorb impact energy on the leg.

Abstract: An aircraft light unit is disclosed herein. The aircraft light unit includes a housing having a first side and an opposing second side, a light coupled to the first side of the housing, a circuit board assembly coupled to second side of the housing, a thermoelectric cooler coupled to the circuit board assembly and configured to dissipated heat from the circuit board assembly, and a heat sink disposed over the thermoelectric cooler and configured to dissipate heat from the thermoelectric cooler.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly provides for quick and easy height and tilt adjustments to the armrest. Generally, the armrest assembly disclosed herein includes a base, an armrest, and one or more shafts extending from the base and being pivotably coupled to the armrest. By moving the one or more shafts relative to the base, the height and/or tilt of the armrest relative to the base can be adjusted.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for a seat, such as an aircraft pilot seat, including a headrest and a headrest tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism includes a headrest support, a casing fixed to the headrest support defining a rotation limiter feature determining a full aft headrest position and a full forward headrest position, a driven gear rotatably disposed in the casing, a driver gear rotatably disposed through an axial opening formed though the driven gear, an engaging feature for urging against the headrest, and an actuator for rotating the driver gear. The driven gear and the driver gear have a predetermined gear tooth reduction ratio and a predetermined axial shift distance such that the two gears are arranged in a profile shifted configuration.

Abstract: A system may comprise: a contactless sensor configured to couple to a waste tank; a controller electronically coupled to the contactless sensor, the controller configured to: receive, via the contactless sensor, a waste water level data from the contactless sensor, calculate a waste water level based on the waste water level data.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door assembly for enclosing a compartment, for instance a cabin attendant seat (CAS) compartment. The assembly generally includes spaced guides for guiding opening and closing movement of a bi-fold door including coupled upper and lower door sections. The door sections are coupled through an interface that allows vertical displacement of the lower door section relative to the upper door section when the door assembly is in the closed condition to engage or disengage latches from respective catches. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes cam latches and a biasing mechanism for driving bi-fold door movement toward the open condition, among other features.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly provides for quick and easy height and tilt adjustments to the armrest. Generally, the armrest assembly disclosed herein includes a base, an armrest, and one or more shafts extending from the base and being pivotably coupled to the armrest. By moving the one or more shafts relative to the base, the height and/or tilt of the armrest relative to the base can be adjusted.

Abstract: A seat with self-stowage capability is provided. The seat includes a seat pan lever which is rotatable between stowed and open positions, a fixed seat structure and an elastic assembly. The fixed seat structure includes an annulus. The elastic assembly includes a damper and an arc-spring disposable within the annulus to permit first rotations of the seat pan lever from the stowed position to the open positions and to urge second rotations of the seat pan lever from the open positions to the stowed position.

Abstract: A headrest assembly for a seat, such as an aircraft pilot seat, including a headrest and a headrest tilt mechanism. The tilt mechanism includes a headrest support, a casing fixed to the headrest support defining a rotation limiter feature determining a full aft headrest position and a full forward headrest position, a driven gear rotatably disposed in the casing, a driver gear rotatably disposed through an axial opening formed though the driven gear, an engaging feature for urging against the headrest, and an actuator for rotating the driver gear. The driven gear and the driver gear have a predetermined gear tooth reduction ratio and a predetermined axial shift distance such that the two gears are arranged in a profile shifted configuration.

Abstract: An armrest may comprise a first casing and a second casing coupled to the first casing. An angular armrest adjustment assembly may be located between the first casing and the second casing. The angular armrest adjustment assembly may comprise a hub coupled the first casing, a lever ring configured to engage a splined surface of the hub, and a biasing member configured to bias the second casing away from the lever ring.

Abstract: An adjustable armrest assembly provides for quick and easy height and tilt adjustments to the armrest. Generally, the armrest assembly disclosed herein includes a base, an armrest, and one or more shafts extending from the base and being pivotably coupled to the armrest. By moving the one or more shafts relative to the base, the height and/or tilt of the armrest relative to the base can be adjusted.

Abstract: Disclosed is a door assembly for enclosing a compartment, for instance a cabin attendant seat (CAS) compartment. The assembly generally includes spaced guides for guiding opening and closing movement of a bi-fold door including coupled upper and lower door sections. The door sections are coupled through an interface that allows vertical displacement of the lower door section relative to the upper door section when the door assembly is in the closed condition to engage or disengage latches from respective catches. In some embodiments, the assembly further includes cam latches and a biasing mechanism for driving bi-fold door movement toward the open condition, among other features.