Middle armrest for a row of seats of passenger aircraft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing center backrests for passenger seats lack a stable and versatile hinge mechanism that allows for adjustable armrests and integrated storage, compromising user comfort and utility.
Innovation Solution
A hinge design featuring a center element with two wing elements, each rotatable about separate axes, providing a stable and adjustable armrest system with a storage surface spaced from the rotation axes, allowing for independent movement and integration with a passenger seat, made from metal or plastic, or a combination of materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a hinge mechanism is integrated into the center backrest to enable adjustable armrests and storage, then user comfort and utility are improved, but the structural complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it supports the armrest assembly and simultaneously provides an integrated storage area. The mounting member attaches the hinge to the center backrest while the wing elements support both the armrest and the storage compartment, allowing one mechanism to fulfill multiple purposes and thereby improving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The storage area is merged with the hinge structure itself rather than being a separate component. The mounting member and wing elements are designed to simultaneously support both the armrest and the storage compartment, combining two functional elements into a single integrated assembly that reduces overall system complexity while enhancing adaptability
2Ease of operation
If a hinge mechanism with multiple rotation axes is used to provide adjustable armrests, then ease of operation is improved, but the weight and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism incorporates multiple rotation axes that allow the armrest to be adjusted to different positions and orientations. The first rotation axis enables rotation of the wing elements relative to the mounting member, while the second rotation axis allows adjustment of the armrest angle, creating a dynamic system that adapts to user needs and improves ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is segmented into distinct rotational components with separate axes of rotation. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of different parts of the armrest assembly, enabling fine-tuned positioning while distributing the mechanical load across multiple joints, which helps manage the overall weight and complexity of the moving structure
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a hinge, wherein: the hinge has a centre element and two leaf elements; a first leaf element is articulated on the centre element to rotate about a first axis of rotation; a second leaf element is articulated on the centre element to rotate about a second axis of rotation; the first leaf element has an assembly element in order to arrange a leaf or hinged panel; the second leaf element has a further assembly element in order to arrange a further leaf or a further hinged panel; the hinge has an assembly member in order to fasten the centre element on an aircraft passenger seat such that when the hinge is mounted on the aircraft passenger seat and when the leaves or hinged panels are in the arranged state, the leaves or the hinged panels are provided in a moveable manner relative to the remaining aircraft passenger seat; the first and the second axis of rotation are provided extending in a bearing plane and spaced apart from one another on the hinge. The hinge is characterised in that the first leaf element is articulated with a first bushing on the centre element, wherein: the first bushing of the first leaf element is provided along the first axis of rotation between a second and a third bushing of the centre element; the first to third bushings are supported on a first shaft of the hinge; the second leaf element is articulated with a fourth bushing on the centre element; the fourth bushing of the first leaf element is provided along the second axis of rotation between a fifth and a sixth bushing of the centre element; the fourth to sixth bushings are supported on a second shaft of the hinge.