Aircraft Seat Mounting Arm Assembly for PED Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers on aircraft face difficulty in viewing their personal electronic devices (PEDs) due to the angle and light reflection, and existing solutions are not easily adaptable, manufacturable, or maintainable for widespread use.
Innovation Solution
A PED mounting arm assembly that is movable between stowed and deployed positions, can be retro-fitted onto existing armrests, and features a pivot arm, tilt arm, and mount system for secure and adjustable positioning of PEDs, with optional USB charging and frictional engagement for stability during flight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a PED is placed flat on a tray table with the display screen facing upwards, then the passenger can access the device easily, but the display screen becomes difficult to see due to the relative angle between the passenger's line of sight and the display screen
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm assembly allows the PED to be positioned dynamically at various angles and orientations. The arm can be adjusted to elevate the device and tilt it to an optimal viewing angle, transforming the static flat placement into a dynamic, adjustable configuration that maintains both accessibility and visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arm assembly adds vertical and angular dimensions to the PED placement. Instead of merely horizontal placement on the tray table, the device is elevated and angled in three-dimensional space, creating optimal viewing geometry while preserving easy access.
2Ease of operation
If a PED is placed flat on a tray table with the display screen facing upwards, then the device is easily accessible, but light reflection off the display screen makes images difficult to see
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable mounting arm enables dynamic positioning of the PED to change the angle of the display screen relative to ambient light sources. This dynamic adjustment allows passengers to optimize the viewing angle to minimize glare and reflection from overhead lights or windows while maintaining easy access to the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arm assembly changes the spatial parameters of PED placement by elevating and angling the device. This parameter change alters the incidence angle of light on the display screen, reducing reflective glare and improving image visibility while preserving device accessibility.
3Volume of moving object
If a mounting arm is designed to be movable between stowed and deployed positions, then it can be stored within a seat, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm assembly is designed to nest within the seat structure when not in use. The arm collapses or retracts into a compact configuration that fits within the available space in the seat, similar to a nested doll structure, thereby minimizing the volume occupied while maintaining full functionality when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting arm employs dynamic mechanisms that allow it to transform between compact stowed and extended deployed configurations. This dynamic capability enables the arm to fit within limited storage spaces when retracted while providing full mounting functionality when extended, effectively managing the trade-off between storage volume and operational complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting arm is designed to be retro-fitted onto an existing armrest, then it improves adaptability, but it increases manufacturing and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting arm assembly incorporates universal mounting features that enable it to be adapted to various existing armrest configurations. Standardized interface elements and adjustable mounting mechanisms allow the device to fit different armrest types without requiring custom manufacturing for each application, thereby improving adaptability while managing manufacturing complexity through design standardization.
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
The solution ensures clear visibility of PED displays, easy deployment and stowage, and reduced manufacturing and maintenance costs, while providing secure and stable operation during flight.
Implementation Method 1
the pivot arm (24) and base (222) cooperate such that the pivot arm (24), along with the rest of the mounting arm assembly (20), rotates relative to the base (222)/armrest (26) about a pivot axis (36)
Implementation Method 2
A tilt arm (28) is pivotally connected to the pivot arm (24)... the tilt arm (28) rotates about a longitudinal axis of the pivot arm (24)
Implementation Method 3
a mount (30) is pivotally connected to the tilt arm (28)... the mount (30) rotates about a mount axis (88)
Implementation Method 4
frictional engagement for stability during flight
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A mounting arm assembly movable between stowed and deployed configurations, includes a pivot arm pivotally engaging an armrest of a seat; a tilt arm engaging the pivot arm; and a mount engaging the tilt arm for supporting a personal electronic device.