Aircraft Armrest Height Adjustment and Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aircraft cockpit armrests lack a practical solution for adjustable height and rotation to accommodate different pilot needs and cockpit configurations, often leading to discomfort and limited accessibility for pilots and co-pilots.
Innovation Solution
A cockpit center console armrest with a base member mounted to the floor, an extending member with inner and outer telescoping members for height adjustment, and a pivot axis for rotating between deployed and retracted orientations, actuated by a lever and release mechanism for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed armrest design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different pilot needs and cockpit configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest incorporates telescoping members that allow dynamic adjustment of length, and a pivot axis that enables rotation between deployed and retracted orientations. This dynamic design allows the armrest to adapt to different pilot needs and cockpit configurations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest is divided into multiple segments including telescoping members and a pivot joint. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of different portions of the armrest, providing versatility without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a telescoping mechanism is added for height adjustment, then height adjustability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest employs nested telescoping members where an inner telescoping member is housed within an outer telescoping member. This nesting arrangement allows for height adjustment functionality while minimizing the space required and reducing the overall complexity compared to using separate adjustment mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pivot axis is added for rotation, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the locking mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis assembly appears to be designed to maintain positioning through its mechanical configuration, potentially using friction or gravity-assisted positioning rather than complex active locking mechanisms. This self-service approach allows rotation functionality while minimizing the complexity of locking systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment mechanisms are integrated, then functionality is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest combines telescoping height adjustment and pivot rotation functionalities into a single integrated assembly. This merging of functions allows pilots to access both height and positioning adjustments from one structure, potentially simplifying operation compared to having separate adjustment mechanisms for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A cockpit center console armrest includes a base member configured for mounting to a floor, an extending member mechanically coupled to the base member, and an armrest mechanically coupled to the extending member. The extending member includes an inner telescoping member configured for sliding within an outer telescoping member for adjusting a height of the armrest. A lever exposed on an underside of the armrest is configured for actuating a release mechanism. The release mechanism is configured for releasably securing the inner telescoping member to the outer telescoping member. A pivot axis pivotably couples the extending member to the base member such that the extending member is rotatable for rotating the armrest between a deployed orientation and a retracted orientation.