Adjustable Armrest Friction Brake for Smooth Vertical Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable armrests for passenger vehicles, including aircraft, are complex, costly, unreliable, and difficult to manufacture, failing to provide a simple, easy-to-use, and safe solution for vertical adjustment and locking.
Innovation Solution
A vertically adjustable armrest with a friction brake mechanism and linear bearing system that allows smooth vertical motion and secure locking at any position, featuring a release mechanism with coiled springs and a cable system for easy height adjustment and maintenance-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art adjustable armrests are designed with complex mechanisms for vertical adjustment, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest system is divided into separate functional components: a linear bearing assembly for smooth vertical movement, a friction brake mechanism for position control, and a simple release mechanism with spring and cable. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A friction brake mechanism acts as an intermediary between the linear bearing and the armrest, providing controlled friction to hold the armrest at desired positions. This intermediary component enables precise position control without requiring complex locking mechanisms, simplifying the overall system while achieving the desired adjustment functionality.
2Ease of operation
If prior art adjustable armrests use complex mechanisms, then adjustment capability is provided, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded release mechanism automatically engages and disengages the friction brake through cable actuation, providing self-service operation. When the user pulls the release cable, the spring automatically resets the mechanism to the locked position, eliminating the need for complex control systems and reducing points of failure, thereby improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction brake mechanism uses simple, replaceable components including friction pads and a spring-loaded release system. These components are designed to be inexpensive and easily replaceable, allowing maintenance without replacing the entire armrest assembly, thus improving reliability through easy maintenance rather than complex design.
3Ease of operation
If prior art adjustable armrests are designed with multiple components, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear bearing assembly and friction brake mechanism are combined into a single integrated unit that attaches to the armrest support structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components and assembly steps, lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining the vertical adjustment functionality through the coordinated action of the bearing and brake components.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex locking mechanisms from prior art designs are extracted and replaced with a simple spring-loaded friction brake system. This extraction of unnecessary complexity reduces manufacturing cost while the essential locking function is maintained through the friction brake's ability to hold the armrest at any position within its travel range.
4Ease of operation
If prior art adjustable armrests use complex mechanisms, then adjustment is possible, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The linear bearing assembly provides smooth vertical movement through its dynamic rolling elements, allowing the armrest to move easily along its travel path. This dynamic component replaces complex mechanical linkages, simplifying manufacturing while enabling the desired height adjustment functionality through straightforward linear motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded release mechanism uses elastic deformation of the spring rather than complex mechanical linkages or actuators. This substitution of a simple elastic element for a complex mechanical system reduces manufacturing difficulty while maintaining the ability to easily adjust the armrest height through cable actuation.
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 provides a reliable, cost-effective, and easy-to-install armrest that offers comfortable support with smooth vertical adjustment and secure locking, suitable for various vehicle applications, ensuring user comfort and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A release mechanism including coiled springs and a cable system for easy height adjustment
Implementation Method 2
A vertically adjustable armrest with a friction brake mechanism that allows smooth vertical motion and secure locking at any position
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically adjustable armrest that is suitable for use in connection with various types of passenger vehicles, including commercial aircraft. The armrest includes a slide mechanism for permitting easy height adjustment of the armrest and also includes a locking mechanism for securely locking the headrest in the desired elevated position. The armrest moves in a smooth vertical motion and is continuously biased toward an upraised position. Vertical adjustment of the armrest is accomplished by pushing a push button located in the upper portion of the armrest.