Aircraft Seat Armrest Assembly With Multi-Position Hydraulic Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Premium aircraft seating requires both quality feel and functionality, but existing mechanisms often fail to balance these aspects effectively.
Innovation Solution
An armrest assembly with a movable upper structure, a hydraulically operated actuator, and a mortise and tenon locking device that allows the armrest to be locked in multiple positions, providing both adjustable height and secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mechanism provides a quality feel, then the premium seating experience is improved, but the functionality and adjustability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two separate devices: a first locking device (actuator) that controls movement and a second locking device (mortise and tenon) that secures position. This segmentation allows each component to specialize - the actuator provides smooth controlled movement for quality feel, while the mortise and tenon provides secure multi-position locking for functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two distinct locking mechanisms into a unified armrest assembly. The first locking device (actuator) and second locking device (mortise and tenon) work together to achieve both the quality feel of smooth movement and the functionality of secure multi-position locking.
2Reliability
If the armrest is made fixed and secure, then safety and stability are improved, but adjustability and user comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assembly transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system with multiple adoptable positions. The upper structure can move between different positions (fully retracted, partially retracted, fully extended) and lock securely at each position, providing both adjustability and stable positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the position parameter of the upper structure relative to the base structure. By providing multiple discrete positions where the mortise and tenon can inter-engage, the system allows the armrest to adapt to different user needs while maintaining secure locking at each position.
3Device complexity
If a single locking mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to lock in multiple positions is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two distinct devices with different roles. The first locking device (actuator) handles the movement control, while the second locking device (mortise and tenon) handles the multi-position securing. This segmentation allows each component to be relatively simple while achieving complex multi-position functionality together.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution enhances the functionality and quality feel of aircraft seating by allowing adjustable armrest positions, ensuring safety and usability in various scenarios, including during maintenance or emergencies.
Implementation Method 1
the first locking device includes biasing means for biasing said upper structure towards one or other of said upper or lower positions. Ideally, said biasing means comprising resilient biasing means, for example one or more springs.
Implementation Method 2
said actuator comprises a fluid-operated actuator. In the preferred embodiment said actuator is a hydraulically operated actuator
Data Source
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AI summary
An armrest assembly comprising a base structure and an upper structure that has an upper surface providing an armrest. The upper structure is movable with respect to the base structure between an upper position and a lower position under the control of a lockable actuator that is operable to lock the upper structure with respect to the base structure in any one of a plurality of adoptable positions. A second locking device is operable to lock the upper structure with respect to the base structure in at least one of the adoptable positions, the locking device including locking elements that interengage mechanically when the second locking device locks the upper structure with respect to said base structure.