Retractable Armrest With Friction Hinge for Seat Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing passenger seat armrests are either fixed or have limited adjustability, restricting combined use of seats and not accommodating a wide range of passenger statures or preferences, as they often pivot upward or have restricted adjustability through a single pivot mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A retractable armrest system with a support bar and armrest that can be adjusted to various positions, including being flush with the seat cushion, using a friction hinge mechanism for intentional adjustment and secure positioning, allowing for multiple configurations and enhanced usability across different passenger needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If armrests are fixed or stationary, then structural simplicity is maintained, but passenger versatility and adaptability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic, multi-position adjustable component. It can pivot between horizontal and vertical positions, and retract into the seat assembly, allowing it to adapt to different passenger needs and seat configurations while maintaining operational simplicity through gravity-assisted movement and friction hinges.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest serves multiple functions: it provides arm support in horizontal position, acts as a divider between seats, can be stowed vertically to allow combined seat use, and can be retracted to access cup holders. This multi-functionality increases versatility without requiring multiple separate components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If armrests pivot upward into the seat assembly, then seat division is removed, but efficient combined seat use is limited by spacing and gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest can be positioned horizontally to divide seats or stowed vertically to allow combined use. The dynamic repositioning capability enables seamless transition between configurations, improving ease of operation for different seating scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest nests within the seat assembly when stowed vertically, eliminating gaps and spacing issues. This nesting approach provides a clean, flush surface that enhances seat continuity and comfort for combined use.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single pivot mechanism is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the range of adjustability is limited to two positions
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into two independent degrees of freedom: pivoting motion for vertical/horizontal positioning and retractable motion for extending/stowing. This segmentation allows four distinct positions without requiring a complex single mechanism, maintaining simplicity while expanding adjustability.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest incorporates two dynamic movement capabilities: pivoting around a hinge for vertical adjustment and retracting along a support bar for horizontal adjustment. This dynamic design provides multiple positions while keeping each movement mechanism simple and independent.
4Ease of operation
If the armrest is made adjustable, then passenger comfort is improved, but unintentional adjustments may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The friction hinge provides periodic engagement and disengagement. During normal use, friction maintains stable engagement at desired positions. When intentional force is applied, the hinge temporarily disengages to allow repositioning, then re-engages to lock in the new position. This periodic action ensures both comfort and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The friction hinge is pre-configured to provide sufficient friction to prevent unintentional adjustments while allowing intentional repositioning. This preliminary setup of friction characteristics ensures position stability during normal use without requiring additional locking mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient combined use of seats by allowing passengers to adjust the armrest to desired positions, accommodating different statures and preferences, and providing access to internal features like cup holders when deployed, while preventing unintentional adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
using a friction hinge mechanism for intentional adjustment and secure positioning
Data Source
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AI summary
Described are retractable armrest systems (100) including a receptacle (102), a support bar (104) comprising a first end (114) and a second end (116), wherein the first end is coupled to the receptacle, and an armrest (106) coupled to the second end of the support bar, wherein the support bar may be adjusted to achieve various armrest positions relative to the receptacle and wherein the armrest may be adjusted to achieve various armrest positions relative to the support bar.