Armrest Locking Rod Mechanism for Vibration-Resistant Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrests in moving environments, such as aircraft, lack a secure locking mechanism that can resist vibrations while being easily manually released.
Innovation Solution
An armrest locking mechanism featuring a locking rod with a fork end that engages with a surface feature on the axle, biased for secure locking and easily released by an actuating member, allowing the armrest to be stowed securely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is incorporated to prevent rattling and moving of the armrest in the open position, then the reliability and stability of the armrest in vibration environments is improved, but the device complexity increases and the ease of operation may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a locking rod with a locking end and actuator end, surface features on the axle, and an actuating member. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall design while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-latching through the engagement between the locking end of the rod and the surface features on the axle. Once engaged, the mechanism maintains itself without continuous external force, and can be released by a simple actuating action, reducing the need for complex control systems.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is designed to be secure and resistant to vibrations, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of manual release may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating member serves as an intermediary between the user and the locking rod. It translates a simple user action (pushing or pulling the actuating member) into the movement of the locking rod, which then disengages from the surface features on the axle. This intermediary mechanism makes the release process easy while maintaining secure locking during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: a locked state where the locking end engages with the surface features, and an unlocked state where the actuating member moves the locking end out of engagement. This dynamic design allows the mechanism to be secure during operation but easily release when needed.
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
Provides stable, vibration-resistant locking in the open position and easy manual release for stowing, ensuring the armrest remains secure yet accessible when needed.
Implementation Method 1
The rod may be biased towards the axle, e.g. by a spring.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest locking mechanism comprising: an axle (20) defining an axis (A) therethrough, an armrest structure (10) mounted relative to the axle to be rotatable relative to the axle about the axis, a locking rod (32) mounted within the armrest structure and having a first, actuator end (320) and a second, locking end (321), the rod being moveable within the armrest structure such that the locking end (321) moves out of engagement with the axle responsive to movement of the actuator end, wherein the axle is formed with a surface feature (22) at a predetermined position around the circumference of the axle with which the locking end of the rod matingly engages to prevent rotation of locking rod and hence the armrest structure relative to the axle when the armrest is at an open position.