Actuatorless Seat Armrest Deployment Through Dual-Roller Guides
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft seat armrests are not synchronized with the seat's movement, leading to inconsistent performance across different seat models due to varying backrest kinematics, necessitating separate actuators for armrest positioning.
Innovation Solution
A seat mechanism with a movable armrest that automatically adjusts between high and low positions via a deployment mechanism, utilizing guide linkages and tilting rods integrated with the seat's movement, eliminating the need for separate actuators.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest is mechanically connected to the backrest via a deployment mechanism, then the armrest can move between raised and lowered positions, but the armrest movement becomes dependent on backrest kinematics which vary between seat models
Solution Approach 1:
A guide linkage mechanism is introduced as an intermediary between the seat and armrest. This guide linkage includes a guide member fixed to the seat and a follower member on the armrest that engages with the guide member, thereby mediating the movement between seat position and armrest position while being independent of backrest kinematics
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment mechanism is segmented into independent components: a guide linkage system separate from the backrest mechanism, with the guide member fixed to the seat structure and the follower member independently engaged with the armrest. This segmentation allows the armrest positioning system to function independently of backrest variations
2Ease of operation
If a separate actuator is added to control armrest movement, then armrest positioning is improved, but device complexity and mechanical stress on the seat increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest positioning system is designed to be self-servicing through passive mechanical linkage. The guide linkage automatically responds to seat position changes without requiring external power or control systems. The follower member passively follows the guide member's movement, eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The guide linkage acts as a mechanical intermediary that translates seat movement into armrest positioning without requiring active actuators. This passive mediation reduces device complexity by replacing powered actuation systems with simple mechanical guidance
3Stability of the object's composition
If the armrest is fixed to the seat structure, then structural stability is maintained, but the armrest cannot adjust position with seat movement
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest connection is transformed from a static fixed attachment to a dynamic adjustable linkage. The guide linkage allows the armrest to change position relative to the seat while maintaining structural integrity through the engaged guide member and follower member connection
Data Source
Figure 1~2a
Figure 2b~2c
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a seat that can be converted between an upright position and a bed position, comprising a mechanism (23) for deploying an armrest (17), which mechanism comprises: - a first guide connection (35) comprising a first roller (36) mechanically connected to the moving part (37) associated with the seat-cushion portion, the first roller (36) collaborating with a first slot formed in the armrest (17), and - a second guide connection (40) comprising a second roller (41) mechanically connected to a fixed part (26), the second roller (41) collaborating with a second slot formed in the armrest (17) such that a movement of the seat-cushion portion of the seat as the seat transitions from the upright position to the bed position causes the armrest (17) to move from the up position to the down position.