US 12,377,981 B2
Seating systems for aircraft and methods of arranging seating systems
Cynthia Anne Vandewall, Snohomish, WA (US); Juan Sebastian Ramirez Loaiza, Cincinnati, OH (US); Jared Arthur Bowen, Snohomish, WA (US); Roshan Duggineni, Lousiville, KY (US); Alexis Rose Begnoche, San Francisco, CA (US); Craig M. Vogel, Cincinnati, OH (US); and Matthew Anthony, Cincinnati, OH (US)
Assigned to The Boeing Company, Arlington, VA (US)
Filed by The Boeing Company, Chicago, IL (US)
Filed on Feb. 25, 2022, as Appl. No. 17/681,467.
Prior Publication US 2023/0271707 A1, Aug. 31, 2023
Int. Cl. B64D 11/06 (2006.01); H01R 25/14 (2006.01); H01R 25/16 (2006.01); H01R 33/00 (2006.01); H01R 33/88 (2006.01); H01R 33/92 (2006.01); H02G 3/04 (2006.01); H01R 25/00 (2006.01); H01R 33/76 (2006.01)
CPC B64D 11/0624 (2014.12) [B64D 11/0696 (2013.01); H01R 25/14 (2013.01); H01R 25/16 (2013.01); H01R 25/162 (2013.01); H01R 25/165 (2013.01); H01R 33/00 (2013.01); H01R 33/88 (2013.01); H01R 33/92 (2013.01); H02G 3/0437 (2013.01); B64D 11/06 (2013.01); H01R 25/00 (2013.01); H01R 25/006 (2013.01); H01R 33/76 (2013.01); H01R 33/7671 (2013.01); H01R 2201/26 (2013.01)] 20 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. A seating system for a cabin of an aircraft, the seating system comprising:
a seat module; and
a seat track assembly defining a plurality of seat-receiving regions, each of the seat-receiving regions being configured to couple to the seat module, wherein the seat track assembly comprises:
a seat track configured to extend along a cabin floor of the cabin and to selectively secure the seat module to any seat-receiving region of the plurality of seat-receiving regions, wherein the cabin floor comprises a sub-floor support structure, wherein the seat track comprises a seat rail, wherein the seat rail extends away from the sub-floor support structure, and the seat rail comprises a seat rail-bearing surface arranged opposed to the sub-floor support structure;
an electrical distribution system comprising an electrical conduit and a plurality of track electrical contacts, wherein the plurality of track electrical contacts are integrated into the seat rail-bearing surface in the plurality of seat-receiving regions, and wherein the plurality of track electrical contacts are configured for electrical connection to or are in electrical connection with the electrical conduit;
wherein the seat module comprises:
a base coupler configured to couple with the seat track at any selected seat-receiving region of the plurality of seat-receiving regions, wherein the base coupler comprises a contact surface configured to engage with the seat rail-bearing surface; and
a seat module electrical system comprising a seat electrical contact integrated into the contact surface of the base coupler;
wherein the contact surface of the base coupler and the seat rail-bearing surface of the seat track are configured to position the seat electrical contact integrated into the contact surface in electrical connection with a respective track electrical contact integrated into the seat rail-bearing surface when the seat rail-bearing surface and the contact surface are engaged and when the base coupler is coupled with the seat track at the selected seat-receiving region; and
wherein the electrical distribution system is configured to provide electricity to the seat module electrical system when the seat electrical contact is in electrical connection with any track electrical contact of the plurality of track electrical contacts.