Adjustable Aircraft Armrest Assembly with Segmented Guide Pin Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest assemblies for aircraft seats are not adaptable to space constraints in aircraft cabins, limiting their ability to provide adjustable armrest surfaces for varying passenger comfort.
Innovation Solution
An armrest assembly with a body comprising two elongate members, each with a guide pin attached at one end, allowing for translation and rotation between two configurations of resting surfaces, enabling adjustment from a narrower to a wider surface to accommodate single or dual passenger use, while incorporating a locking mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed width armrest surface is used, then the structure is simple and space is saved, but passenger comfort is limited for different seating configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest body is divided into two separate elongate members (first and second elongate members) that can independently move between configurations. Each member has its own guide pin and track arrangement, allowing the armrest surface to be segmented into different usable widths while maintaining structural integrity through the shared mounting portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest assembly incorporates dynamic movement capability through the guide pins moving within tracks, allowing transition between a first configuration (narrower armrest surface for single passenger) and a second configuration (wider armrest surface for dual passenger). This dynamic adjustment enables adaptability without requiring multiple separate armrest units.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable armrest mechanisms are added, then passenger comfort is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases beyond what is suitable for aircraft cabin space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The movement and locking functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The guide pins simultaneously provide movement guidance within the tracks and engage with track features to provide locking in both configurations. This merging eliminates the need for separate actuation and locking mechanisms that would increase complexity and space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest assembly provides self-servicing through its passive mechanical design. The guide pins automatically engage with the track features at specific positions to lock the armrest in either configuration without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The mechanism serves itself by using the movement path to provide both adjustment and locking functions.
3Area of moving object
If wider armrest surfaces are provided for dual passenger use, then comfort is improved, but the space required in the aircraft cabin increases
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assembly dynamically adjusts its effective width based on seating configuration. In the first configuration, the armrest presents a narrower profile suitable for single passenger use, optimizing space utilization in the cabin. In the second configuration, the same armrest expands to provide a wider surface area for dual passenger use, maximizing comfort when needed without permanently occupying additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
A single armrest assembly performs multiple functions by providing two different usable configurations. The same physical structure serves both as a narrow armrest for single occupancy and as a wide armrest for dual occupancy, eliminating the need for different armrest sizes and optimizing cabin space utilization across various seating scenarios.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to an armrest assembly (48) comprising a mounting portion (50) and an armrest (52) having a body (56). The body (56) has an elongated shape comprising a first resting surface and a second resting surface. The body is movable between a first configuration in which the first resting surface is useable and a second configuration in which the second resting surface is useable so as to optimise the comfort associated with the armrest.