Aircraft Seat Armrest Assembly with Modular Slide-Lock Armcap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional aircraft passenger seat armrests lack customization options, ergonomic design, and structural integrity, failing to provide a comprehensive and comfortable seat control center.
Innovation Solution
A modular armrest assembly featuring a universal armpan with slide-lock engagement, overmolded armpad for delamination resistance, and a scalloped gusset design, combined with a pivotable support member and injection molded components for strength and comfort, allowing for interchangeable armcaps and seamless integration with seat frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional armrest designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but customization capability and ergonomic performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is divided into separate modular components: an armpan base structure and interchangeable armcaps. The armcap can be removed and replaced to provide customization while maintaining a simple base structure. This segmentation allows different armcap configurations without redesigning the entire armrest system.
Solution Approach 2:
The armpan is designed as a universal base that can accommodate multiple types of armcaps through a standardized interface. This allows a single armpan design to support various armcap styles, materials, and configurations, providing versatility without increasing base complexity.
2Strength
If conventional armrest structures are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but structural integrity and strength deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest employs composite construction combining the armpan (structural base) with armcaps made from different materials such as leather, vinyl, or fabric. This composite approach enhances overall strength and durability while allowing the structural complexity to remain concentrated in the armpan rather than the entire assembly.
3Ease of operation
If conventional armrest designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but ergonomic performance and comfort deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The armcap is designed with localized ergonomic features including contoured shaping, cushioning layers, and ergonomic grips positioned specifically where passenger contact occurs. This concentrates ergonomic complexity only in the armcap region rather than the entire armrest structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest incorporates movable elements such as adjustable armcaps or pivoting sections that can adapt to different passenger positions and preferences. This dynamic capability enhances ergonomic performance without requiring the entire armrest structure to be complex.
4Reliability
If conventional armrest designs are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but long-term reliability and delamination resistance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The armcap is pre-assembled with its upholstery and padding materials in a controlled manufacturing environment using adhesive bonding and stitching techniques. This preliminary assembly ensures proper bonding and alignment before installation on the armpan, preventing delamination during service while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest assembly including an armpan defining an elongate channel and including slide-lock structure positioned about a top opening of the channel and at opposing ends thereof for engaging an armcap, an armcap covering the channel and having complimentary slide-lock structure and defining at least one cavity for receiving overmold material of an armpad, and an overmolded armpad covering a portion of the armcap and filling the at least one cavity of the armcap to retain the armpad on the armcap.