Adjustable Armrest for Aircraft Side Stick Controllers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current aircraft cockpit seating arrangements are uncomfortable and lead to crew fatigue due to lack of adequate arm support while accessing flight controls, with standard armrests often being improperly aligned with side ledge-mounted controllers.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable molded-in outboard armrest that extends upwards and over the cockpit side ledge, providing support for pilots' arms while operating side stick controllers, with adjustable angles and height to align with the controller and accommodate varying cockpit dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If standard armrests are used in aircraft cockpit seating, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to improper alignment with side ledge-mounted controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with adjustable features including height adjustment and angular adjustment capabilities. The support extension can be positioned at different angles relative to the seat bottom, and the arm support can be adjusted vertically along the support extension, allowing dynamic adaptation to different cockpit configurations and controller positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes key geometric parameters of the armrest structure - specifically the angle of the support extension relative to the seat bottom and the height of the arm support along this extension. These parameter variations enable proper alignment with side ledge-mounted controllers while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed armrests are used, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates for varying cockpit dimensions and pilot sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow it to adapt to different cockpit configurations and pilot sizes. The support extension angle and arm support height can be modified to match various side ledge positions and controller locations, providing versatility without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances across all variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable armrest design serves multiple functions and configurations - it can accommodate different cockpit layouts, various controller positions on the side ledge, and different pilot anthropometrics. This multi-functionality is achieved through the adjustable support extension and arm support height mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If adjustable armrests with multiple degrees of freedom are implemented, then the ease of operation improves for different pilot sizes, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest provides two degrees of freedom - angular adjustment of the support extension relative to the seat bottom, and vertical adjustment of the arm support along the support extension. These dynamic adjustments improve accessibility and comfort for different pilot sizes while keeping the adjustment mechanisms relatively simple and intuitive.
Data Source
AI summary
An aircraft seat includes a support extension with an arm support which extends over an aircraft side ledge. The support extension extends upwardly and outwardly from an aircraft seat bottom. The arm support supports and aligns a user's arm with a side stick controller positioned on the aircraft side ledge.