Passenger Seat Armrest Guide Element Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional passenger seats with adjustable armrests often fail to ensure horizontal support surface adjustability based on body size and sitting position, require complex constructions, and restrict legroom due to installation space, leading to increased costs and weight, as well as impaired freedom of movement.

Innovation Solution

A seat design featuring a support structure with a guide element on the backrest for linear displacement of the armrest, allowing height adjustment and integration into the seat's support structure, eliminating the need for separate construction means and swivel joints, which impairs legroom.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional adjustable armrest designs are used, then armrest adjustability is provided, but device complexity increases and installation space is required that restricts legroom

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearmrest adjustabilityVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element is integrated directly into the support structure of the seat, merging the armrest guidance function with the existing support structure. This eliminates the need for separate construction means and large adjustment joints, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining armrest adjustability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the seat and simultaneously integrates the guide element for armrest height adjustment. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate armrest modules are manufactured and assembled, then armrest functionality is provided, but manufacturing costs and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearmrest functionalityVSAvoidarmrest assembly weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest mechanism is integrated with the support structure through the guide element, eliminating the need for separate armrest modules. This integration reduces the number of parts, simplifies assembly, and decreases the overall weight of the armrest assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element is extracted as a functional component integrated into the support structure, allowing the armrest to be mounted directly without requiring separate construction means. This extraction simplifies the overall design and reduces weight

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If swivel joints are used for armrest adjustment, then armrest position flexibility is provided, but freedom of movement for person behind is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearmrest position flexibilityVSAvoidlegroom freedom of movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide element is integrated into the support structure, merging the armrest mounting function with the existing structure. This integration eliminates the need for swivel joints and large adjustment mechanisms, thereby preserving legroom and freedom of movement for the person behind

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2910412B1Seat, in particular passenger seat
Publication Date: 2019.08.21 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP2910412B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2910412B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2910412B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a passenger seat with an adjustable armrest. The seat comprises an armrest (2); a guide element (6) on which the armrest (2) is mounted for linear movement; and a locking means by which the armrest (2) can be releasably locked in a movement position.