Shared Armrest Pad Layout for Dual-User Elbow Comfort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest designs either discourage single users from comfortably using the armrest by incorporating protruding strips or fail to optimize the resting position for both users sharing the armrest, leading to suboptimal comfort and usability.
Innovation Solution
The armrest features discrete regions on its top surface, designed to accommodate the elbows of multiple users without protruding separation lines, allowing intuitive and comfortable use by either one or two users, with configurations that include diagonal, sloping, and recessed designs to prevent incorrect usage and enhance ergonomic comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a raised strip is used to separate armrest portions for multiple users, then user segregation is improved, but single user comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest surface is segmented into discrete regions through color coding and subtle textural differences rather than physical barriers. Each region is designated for a specific user position, providing clear visual guidance for elbow placement while maintaining a continuous, comfortable surface for single users.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the armrest have distinct visual properties (color, texture) to indicate their intended use. The first region has visual characteristics suited for the first user's elbow position, while the second region has different characteristics for the second user, allowing intuitive identification without physical separation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dual plane armrest with upper and lower supports is used, then multi-user capability is improved, but natural elbow positioning deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing multiple elevation planes to accommodate different users, the invention inverts the approach by providing a single continuous surface with visual segmentation. The color-coded regions guide users to the appropriate elbow position on the same plane, eliminating the need for multiple elevation levels while maintaining natural positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protruding separation lines are used to define user regions, then user boundary definition is improved, but overall comfort deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the separation function from physical protrusions and relocates it to visual indicators. Color coding and textural variations provide clear boundary definition between user regions without introducing any protruding elements that would compromise comfort or create safety hazards.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest comprises a top surface; a first side surface and a second side surface being opposite to said first side surface; wherein said top surface incorporates a number of discrete regions; a first discrete region on which, in use, the elbow of a first user rests; said first discrete region extending diagonally towards said first side surface; and at least one further discrete region located in front of said first discrete region which extends diagonally towards said second side surface; whereby said second discrete region provides, in use, a resting surface for the elbow of a second user seating in an adjacent seat; wherein said first and said second regions are separated in the longitudinal direction by a line of separation which doesn't protrude higher than the majority of the top surface.