Aircraft Armrest Integrating Handgrip and Secondary Controls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modern aircraft cockpit designs often lack adequate support for flight crew members' shoulders and arms when using sidesticks, leading to strain, and the operation of secondary controls in conditions of vibration or turbulence becomes difficult due to lack of stability.
Innovation Solution
A combined handgrip and armrest with a second surface featuring operable controls, allowing the occupant to support their forearm and steady their hand while operating primary and secondary controls, thereby providing ergonomic support and stability during turbulence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sidestick inceptors are used for primary flight control, then cockpit space is optimized and control precision is improved, but operator shoulder and arm strain increases due to lack of support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the armrest support function with secondary control functions into a single integrated structure. The armrest includes a handgrip portion for support and a control surface with secondary controls, merging two previously separate functions (support and control operation) into one unified device, thereby providing both strain relief and control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides physical support for the operator's forearm to reduce strain, offers a handgrip for stabilizing the hand, and incorporates secondary controls for operating additional functions. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the support structure itself capable of control operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If secondary controls are placed on separate panels around the cockpit, then control functionality is provided, but operation accuracy decreases during vibration and turbulence due to lack of hand stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the secondary controls with the armrest structure, placing them on a control surface that is integrated into the support mechanism. This combination ensures that the controls are always within easy reach and can be operated with a stabilized hand supported by the handgrip, improving operation accuracy during turbulent conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The handgrip acts as an intermediary between the operator's hand and the secondary controls. By providing a stable gripping surface, it mediates the interaction between the operator and the controls, enabling precise operation even during vibration and turbulence by reducing hand instability.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest for use by a pilot while operating a side stick inceptor has on its underside a number of secondary controls which can be operated when the side stick is not being used, the armrest then acting as a handgrip enabling the pilot to operate the secondary controls with a steady hand.