Modular Clip-On Armrest for Shared Seating Comfort and Sanitation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stadium and theater seating armrests are often shared inadequately, leading to tension between patrons and pose health risks due to lack of sanitation.
Innovation Solution
Modular armrests that clip onto existing armrests, providing additional space and allowing for removable accessories like cup holders, trays, and phone holders, which can be easily sanitized and configured to suit individual needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single armrest is shared between two seats, then the structure remains simple and space is saved, but user comfort deteriorates and tension arises between patrons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the shared armrest space into two separate modular armrests, each attachable to one side of the original armrest. This segmentation allows each patron to have their own dedicated armrest surface, eliminating the need to share and thereby improving user comfort while maintaining structural simplicity through modular components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the armrest functionality by adding modular components that attach to the sides of the original armrest, effectively utilizing the lateral dimension. This creates additional armrest surfaces without significantly increasing the footprint, providing more comfort while keeping the overall structure compact.
2Reliability
If conventional armrests are fixed in place, then structural stability is maintained, but sanitation deteriorates and health risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the armrest into a fixed base structure and removable modular components. The modular parts can be detached and sanitized independently, addressing hygiene concerns while the fixed base maintains structural stability. This segmentation allows for easy cleaning of high-contact surfaces without compromising the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic elements by making armrest components removable and reconfigurable. This allows the armrest system to adapt between stable fixed configuration during use and easily separable configuration for sanitation, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and sanitization needs.
3Ease of operation
If armrests are made larger to provide adequate support, then user comfort improves, but space consumption increases and adjacent seats are affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides enhanced arm support through modular components that can be selectively attached where needed. Each module offers adequate support surface area for its side, but the overall space consumption is controlled because modules can be configured to fit within the available lateral space without encroaching on adjacent seats.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes space utilization by extending armrest functionality vertically and laterally within available clearance, rather than expanding horizontally into adjacent seat space. This dimensional approach provides adequate support surface area while maintaining compact footprint that respects boundary constraints.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular armchair rest for installation and removal during a variety of events at facilities having small fixed and rotating armrest between seats. Users clip one or two modular armchair rests to give patrons additional armrest area. Accessories, such as cupholders and trays, can be removably attached to the modular armchair rest.