Modular Armrest Separator With Symmetrical Beam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional transport vehicle seat armrests and separators require separate manufacturing and maintenance due to different dimensional requirements, leading to increased complexity and storage needs.

Innovation Solution

A modular armrest and separator device featuring a symmetrical beam and sleeve design, allowing the same cuff to function as either an armrest or separator by adjusting orientation, with retaining means such as elastic members or screws, and a hinge mechanism for easy assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate armrests and separators are manufactured with different dimensions, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity and storage requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing a single beam component that can serve both as an armrest and as a separator. The beam has a symmetrical cross-section with two perpendicular planes of symmetry, allowing it to be oriented in different directions to fulfill different functions. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing processes and storage for different types of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses asymmetry in reverse - by creating a highly symmetrical beam with multiple planes of symmetry, it enables the same component to be asymmetrically oriented for different functions. The symmetrical design allows the beam to be rotated and positioned differently to serve as either an armrest or separator.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate armrests and separators are maintained with different parts, then functional requirements are met, but maintenance operations become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional requirementsVSAvoidmaintenance operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The universal beam design allows maintenance personnel to use the same replacement parts and procedures for both armrests and separators. When a component needs replacement, the same type of beam can be used regardless of whether it is functioning as an armrest or separator, simplifying inventory management and maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single component is used for both armrest and separator functions, then manufacturing is simplified, but the component must accommodate different dimensional requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplificationVSAvoiddimensional requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The beam is designed with a symmetrical cross-section that has two perpendicular planes of symmetry. This allows the same component to be oriented in different directions to meet different dimensional requirements for armrest and separator functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes spatial orientation by allowing the beam to be positioned at different angles and orientations. The same physical component can satisfy different dimensional requirements simply by changing its orientation in space rather than changing its physical dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4147906A1Armrest-separator for seat of a transport vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.03.15 SNCF VOYAGEURS

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AI summary

The invention relates to a device (6) for armrest and/or separation for a transport vehicle seat, comprising a beam (12) intended to be connected to the seat and a removable armrest having a longitudinal cavity configured to fit onto the beam (12).