Lever Ring Armrest Adjustment Assembly to Reduce Part Count and Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current adjustable armrests in aircraft seats are difficult to assemble, heavy, and have a high number of parts, which complicates their construction and functionality.
Innovation Solution
An angular armrest adjustment assembly comprising a lever ring, a hub with a splined surface, and a biasing member, such as a coil spring, that allows for the adjustment of the armrest's angle by intermeshing teeth and shaft clips, reducing the number of parts and weight while simplifying assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a knob and rod assembly is used to adjust armrest angle, then the armrest can be adjusted, but the assembly becomes difficult to assemble, heavier, and has more parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (knob, rod, adjustment mechanism) into a single integrated lever ring assembly. The lever ring directly engages with splined surfaces on the shaft, eliminating the need for separate knobs and rods, thereby reducing the number of parts while maintaining adjustability functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The lever ring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the adjustment lever, engages with the splined shaft for rotational movement, and provides structural support for the armrest. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while preserving the armrest adjustment capability
2Ease of operation
If a knob and rod assembly is used to adjust armrest angle, then the armrest can be adjusted, but the assembly weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the knob, rod, and adjustment mechanism into a single lever ring component, the total material used is reduced, directly decreasing the weight of the moving armrest assembly while maintaining the adjustment function
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and eliminates unnecessary intermediate components (separate knobs and rods) from the adjustment mechanism, keeping only the essential lever ring that directly interacts with the splined shaft, thereby reducing overall weight
3Ease of operation
If a knob and rod assembly is used to adjust armrest angle, then the armrest can be adjusted, but the assembly becomes difficult to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
Combining multiple assembly steps and components into a single lever ring assembly reduces the number of assembly operations required. The lever ring can be directly installed onto the splined shaft in one action, eliminating the need to separately assemble knobs, rods, and adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The lever ring is designed as a modular component that can be independently manufactured and then easily installed onto the shaft. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual parts while maintaining ease of final assembly through direct engagement with the splined surface
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 allows for easier assembly, reduced weight, and increased comfort by enabling more precise adjustment of the armrest's angle with fewer parts, enhancing passenger experience.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to apply a force to the lever ring... the biasing member may comprise a coil spring located around the spring support
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest may comprise a first casing and a second casing coupled to the first casing. An angular armrest adjustment assembly may be located between the first casing and the second casing. The angular armrest adjustment assembly may comprise a hub coupled the first casing, a lever ring configured to engage a splined surface of the hub, and a biasing member configured to bias the second casing away from the lever ring.