Aircraft Armrest Lid Hinge Arrangement with Damping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current seat assemblies in aircraft and similar vehicles face challenges with limited space for armrest lid operation due to single pivot hinges, leading to interference with sidewall ledges and unintentional opening/closing when seats are stowed outboard, causing operational difficulties and passenger discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A seat assembly design featuring a hinge arrangement with guide bearings and a damper gear that limits the range of armrest lid opening and dampens movement, preventing interference with sidewall ledges and reducing accidental opening/closing, utilizing a linkage system to control the armrest lid's movement between closed and open positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single pivot hinge is used for the armrest lid, then the structure is simple, but the armrest lid interferes with the sidewall ledge when seats are stowed outboard

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge structureVSAvoidarmrest lid operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge arrangement is divided into multiple components: a first hinge portion, a second hinge portion, a link, and a guide bearing. This segmentation allows the armrest lid to move through a controlled arc that prevents interference with the sidewall ledge while maintaining operational functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge arrangement introduces a guide bearing that constrains movement along a specific arc-shaped path, adding a dimensional constraint that prevents the lid from interfering with the sidewall ledge while still allowing opening and closing motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If a single pivot hinge is used for the armrest lid, then the structure is simple, but unintentional opening or closing occurs when passengers push on the armrest lid

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehinge structureVSAvoidarmrest lid stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The damper is pre-configured to provide resistive force against the armrest lid movement. When a passenger pushes on the lid, the damper's damping force counteracts the applied force, preventing unintentional opening or closing and ensuring stable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Volume of moving object

If the armrest lid is positioned adjacent to the sidewall ledge, then space utilization is improved, but the lid cannot open and close properly due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoidarmrest lid movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge arrangement is designed to allow the armrest lid to dynamically adjust its position along a controlled arc. The guide bearing ensures the lid follows a specific movement path that accommodates the limited space adjacent to the sidewall ledge while still enabling full opening and closing motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 effectively addresses the space constraints and operational issues by ensuring smooth, controlled armrest lid operation, preventing interference with sidewall ledges and minimizing accidental movements, enhancing passenger safety and comfort.

Implementation Method 1

A hinge arrangement is pivotally couples the armrest lid to the fixed armrest portion. The hinge arrangement includes a damper and a damper gear that meshes with the damper to dampen movement of the armrest lid between the closed and open positions.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentUS10486568B2Seat assemblies including an armrest with an armrest lid and a hinge arrangement

Publication Date: 2019.11.26 GULFSTREAM AEROSPACE CORP

AI summary

Seat assemblies are provided. In one example, a seat assembly includes a seat base portion and a seat backrest portion. An armrest is disposed adjacent to the seat base portion and forward of the backrest portion. The armrest includes a fixed armrest portion that is coupled to the seat frame. An armrest lid is configured to move relative to the fixed armrest portion between a closed position overlying an upper section of the fixed armrest portion and an open position allowing access to the upper section of the fixed armrest portion. A hinge arrangement is pivotally couples the armrest lid to the fixed armrest portion. The hinge arrangement includes a damper and a damper gear that meshes with the damper to dampen movement of the armrest lid between the closed and open positions.