Patent ID: 8147001

Claim:
A method of absorbing energy in an aircraft passenger seat assembly, comprising the steps of: providing an aircraft seat assembly having a lightweight composite support structure and seat base; supporting an energy-absorbent aircraft seat cushioning system upon said seat assembly to provide a cushioned seat assembly, wherein said cushioning system is comprised of an array of: a. a crushable insert layer of permanently energy absorbing material effective for absorbing sudden energy spikes and thereby reducing forces transferred from an aircraft seat structure to a passenger and enhancing the passenger's ability for rapid egress of the aircraft; b. a layer of main cushioning foam; c. an ischial insert of cushioning foam placed atop the main cushioning foam, wherein both cushioning foams are of lower density than the crushable insert layer; d. a semi-dynamic and self-inflatable pneumatic cell wherein the semi-dynamic pneumatic cell is a sealable bladder which is automatically adjustable in accordance with changes in aircraft cabin pressure, the cell having a two-way dual action reciprocating breather valve effective for maintaining and adjusting inflation of the cell when the aircraft is pressurized and deflation of the cell when the aircraft is grounded; and e. a finishing fabric or upholstery covering for the seat cushioning assembly.