Inventors:
Matthew H. Kull - Parker CO, US
Dennis D. Olcott - Lone Tree CO, US
Sharon M. Wilson - Colorado Springs CO, US
Assignee:
Adam Aircraft Industries - Englewood CO
International Classification:
B60N 2/42, A47C 7/02
US Classification:
2972161, 29721613, 29745218, 29745219, 2974522, 29745255
Abstract:
A hybrid composite-metal energy absorbing seat is described. According to one embodiment, an aircraft seat includes a seat base assembly and a seat back assembly. The seat base assembly includes multiple rigid metal seat base side frame elements joined by a lower seat pan, an energy absorbing element placed on the lower seat pan to deform and absorb downward energy in a crash, and a contoured seat pan whose sides extend past the seat base side frame elements and deform to absorb downward energy in a crash. The seat back assembly is attached to the seat base assembly and includes multiple rigid metal seat back side frame elements joined by a contoured composite seat back. The rigid metal seat back side frame elements absorb forward crash load energy by permanently deforming during a severe forward crash load. The contoured composite seat back provides design/aesthetic flexibility.