Armrest Bed Extension Mechanism for Lie-Flat Seat Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Lie flat seats in first-class aircraft cabins lack an efficient manual mechanism to deploy a bed extension, limiting the bed size and passenger comfort during recline and sit positions.
Innovation Solution
A manually operated armrest assembly with a spring motor and horizontal linear slide mechanism that deploys a planar bed extension from a stowed vertical position to a raised horizontal position, aligning with the seat back and bottom to form a larger bed surface, and reversibly stows back into the armrest housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual mechanism is added to deploy the bed extension, then the bed size and passenger comfort are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bed extension deployment mechanism is merged with the armrest assembly. The armrest housing contains the spring motor and linear slide mechanism, while the armrest itself serves as part of the bed structure when in the lower position. This integration allows the bed extension to be deployed using the existing armrest movement without adding separate control systems or increasing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a support armrest in the upper position and as part of the bed structure in the lower position. The same armrest movement that provides ergonomic adjustment also drives the bed extension deployment through the interconnection mechanism, eliminating the need for separate actuators for each function.
2Productivity
If the bed extension is deployed manually through armrest movement, then the conversion speed between seating and sleeping positions is improved, but the ease of operation may worsen due to the manual mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The spring motor is pre-charged when the bed extension is in the stowed position, storing potential energy automatically. When deployment is initiated by moving the armrest, the spring motor self-activates to eject the bed extension through the linear slide, eliminating the need for separate manual cranking or complex control operations. The system serves itself by converting the armrest movement into automated extension deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring motor is charged in advance when the bed extension is stowed, preparing the mechanical energy needed for deployment. This preliminary action ensures that when the armrest is moved to initiate deployment, the bed extension is ejected rapidly and smoothly without requiring continuous manual effort or complex control sequences during the actual deployment phase.
3Area of stationary object
If the armrest is made vertically moveable to form part of the bed support surface, then the bed width and comfort are improved, but the stability of the armrest in seating position may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with controlled mobility rather than fixed positioning. It can vertically move between upper and lower positions through the interconnection mechanism, allowing it to adapt its position based on whether the seat is in seating or sleeping configuration. This dynamic capability enables the armrest to provide stable support in both configurations without compromising overall system stability.
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
Enables quick and independent conversion between seating and sleeping positions without disturbing adjacent passengers, providing a 2.1-meter recline length and increased bed width, enhancing passenger comfort and space utilization.
Implementation Method 1
A spring motor may be carried in the armrest housing for driving the deployment of the bed extension. The spring motor may be charged in the stowed position and releases to drive the bed extension out of the armrest housing.
Implementation Method 2
The motion of the bed extension may be guided by a horizontal linear slide and speed-controlled by a statically-mounted rotary damper/speed controller.
Implementation Method 3
The motion of the bed extension may be guided by a horizontal linear slide and speed-controlled by a statically-mounted rotary damper/speed controller.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest assembly for a seat of the type that is convertible into a lie flat bed, the armrest assembly including an armrest, an armrest housing in which the armrest is mounted for vertical movement, and a planar bed extension having an upper bed surface is mounted in the armrest housing for movement between a stowed position wherein the bed extension is contained in a vertical position in the armrest housing and a deployed position wherein the bed extension is positioned exterior to the armrest housing in a raised, horizontal position, wherein the armrest and bed extension reside in horizontal alignment with a seat back and seat bottom of the seat to collectively define a portion of a bed.