Pilot Seat Armrest Assembly With Synchronous Lift and Tilt

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional pilot seat armrests require separate controllers for vertical and angular adjustments, which are complicated, costly, heavy, and unreliable.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable armrest assembly with a single control wheel that synchronizes vertical and angular adjustments using a leadscrew, tilt link, and inclined slots, allowing independent adjustment of armrests to accommodate differently sized pilots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate controllers and mechanisms are used for vertical and angular adjustments, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate controllers for vertical and angular adjustments into a single integrated controller. This single controller operates both the vertical adjustment mechanism and the angular adjustment mechanism simultaneously, reducing device complexity while maintaining full adjustment functionality. The integration eliminates the need for multiple separate control interfaces, making the system easier to operate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single controller is designed to perform multiple functions: it controls both vertical movement and angular tilt of the armrest. This multi-functional controller replaces what would traditionally require separate specialized controllers, simplifying the overall system architecture while preserving adaptability for different pilot sizes and preferences.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate controllers and mechanisms are used for adjustments, then adjustment functionality is provided, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidarmrest weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the control functions into a single controller and integrating the adjustment mechanisms, the patent eliminates redundant components that would otherwise be present in a system with separate controllers. This integration reduces the overall weight of the armrest assembly while maintaining the capability for both vertical and angular adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate controllers are used for adjustments, then adjustment functionality is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The integration of multiple control functions into a single controller reduces the number of components that need to be manufactured, assembled, and tested. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces production costs while maintaining the ability to perform both vertical and angular adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If separate controllers and mechanisms are used, then adjustment functionality is provided, but reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustment functionalityVSAvoidsystem reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By reducing the number of separate controllers and mechanisms to a single integrated system, the patent eliminates potential failure points associated with multiple independent components. The integrated design improves reliability by reducing the complexity of interconnections and control logic while maintaining full adjustment functionality for vertical and angular positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Facilitates easy, reliable, and cost-effective adjustment of armrests to support pilots of varying sizes, enhancing comfort and compatibility with flight controllers.

Implementation Method 1

a leadscrew rotatably mounted in the armrest frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

the armpad subassembly including at least one inclined slot, and a tilt link subassembly having a first end mounted on the leadscrew and a second end engaged in and configured to travel along the at least one inclined slot

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical linkage through inclined slot: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS12565319B2Pilot seat armrest assembly with synchronous lift and tilt adjustment

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 AMI IND INC

AI summary

An adjustable armrest assembly for a seat such as a pilot seat. In embodiments, the armrest assembly includes an armrest frame, a leadscrew rotatably mounted in the armrest frame, a control wheel mounted to the leadscrew, an armpad subassembly pivotally attached to the armrest frame, and a tilt link subassembly coupled between the armrest frame and the armpad subassembly. In use, rotating the leadscrew synchronizes rotational motion of the armrest frame relative to the seat, and armpad subassembly motion relative to the armrest frame. In embodiments, the adjustment capability of the armrest assembly facilitates use with a flight controller positioned forward of the armrest.