Multi-Zone Passenger Seat Armrest for Shared Personal Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger seat armrests that are shared between two passengers often cause tension due to the lack of personal space definition, leading to discomfort and potential conflicts, and existing solutions like dividers are complex and may not comply with industry certifications.
Innovation Solution
A multi-zone armrest design with distinct zones, each having different curvatures, visually and physically defining personal space, allowing passengers to use the armrest without additional materials or dividers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a shared armrest is used between two passengers, then the structure is simple and lightweight, but the passengers experience tension and discomfort due to lack of personal space definition
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest top surface is segmented into multiple zones with different curvatures, where each zone is designed to accommodate specific body parts (e.g., one zone for the head, another for the arm). This segmentation provides personal space definition without requiring physical dividers or additional components, thus maintaining structural simplicity while improving passenger comfort
Solution Approach 2:
Different zones of the armrest top surface have different local curvatures tailored to specific functions - for example, a first curvature for head support and a second curvature for arm support. This local differentiation allows each zone to serve its intended purpose effectively, enhancing comfort while keeping the overall structure simple
2Ease of operation
If a divider is attached to the armrest to define personal space, then passenger comfort is improved, but the device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a physical divider, the armrest top surface is segmented into functional zones through varying curvatures. This approach defines personal space and improves comfort while avoiding the complexity and weight of additional divider components
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest top surface itself provides the personal space definition function through its multi-zone curvature design, eliminating the need for separate divider components. The structure serves its own organizational function, reducing overall device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest for a passenger seat has a forward end, an aft end opposite from the forward end, and a top surface extending from the forward end to the aft end. The top surface includes a first zone and a second zone, and a curvature of the first zone of the top surface is different from a curvature of the second zone of the top surface. In some examples, at least one of the first zone or the second zone has a concave curvature.