Console-Mounted Armrest with Single-Control Height and Tilt Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aircraft sidestick controls are not ergonomically adaptable to pilots of different sizes due to their fixed location, requiring complex and cluttered multiple-point adjustment systems in existing console-mounted armrests.
Innovation Solution
A console-mounted armrest with an adjustable post and linkage system, controlled by a single mechanism that allows for height adjustment and tilt, featuring multiple positive lock-out positions to maintain a desirable orientation with the sidestick.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple points of adjustment are provided in existing console mounted armrests to accommodate differently sized pilots, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases creating clutter and confusion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (height adjustment via post movement and tilt adjustment via linkage) into a single integrated control mechanism. The control mechanism simultaneously manages both the vertical position of the post and the angular orientation of the armrest, eliminating the need for separate controls and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining full adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The single control mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both the height of the armrest and its tilt angle. This multi-functional control element replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate controls, simplifying the user interface while providing comprehensive adjustment capability for pilots of various sizes.
2Device complexity
If a single control mechanism is used to manage both post height and armrest tilt, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage acts as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the single control mechanism's input into coordinated movement of both the post and armrest. The linkage ensures that as the post moves vertically, the armrest tilt adjusts in a predetermined manner, maintaining precise geometric relationships without requiring complex electronic controls or multiple actuators.
Solution Approach 2:
The control mechanism incorporates multiple positive lock-out positions that provide discrete, precisely-defined stopping points during adjustment. These lock-out positions ensure that the armrest settles into specific, reproducible configurations, maintaining control precision through mechanical positioning rather than continuous electronic adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A console mounted armrest includes an adjustable post to raise and lower the armrest, and a linkage. The linkage defines the tilt of the armrest with respect to the post. A single control mechanism controls the motion of the post, and thereby also controls the tilt of the armrest to maintain a desirable orientation with respect to the sidestick. The control mechanism defines multiple positive lock-out positions with respect to the post such that the control mechanism will always engage one of the positive lock-out positions.