Enhanced Single Control Console Mounted Armrest

Publication ID: 24-11857085_0006_PTD

Published: November 07, 2025

Category:Direct Improvements & Enhancements

Legal Citation

pr1or.art Inc., “Enhanced Single Control Console Mounted Armrest,” Published Technical Disclosure No. 24-11857085_0006_PTD, Published November 07, 2025, available at https://archive.pr1or.art/24-11857085_0006_PTD

This technical disclosure describes improvements that would be readily apparent to a Person Having Ordinary Skill In The Art (PHOSITA) when considered in combination with the foundational architecture disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,857,085.

Summary of the Inventive Concept

This inventive concept improves upon the original single control console mounted armrest by introducing advanced ergonomic features, motorized adjustment mechanisms, and sensors to optimize user comfort and efficiency.

Background and Problem Solved

The original patent's console mounted armrest, while adjustable, still required manual adjustment and did not account for individual ergonomic preferences. This inventive concept addresses these limitations by incorporating automated adjustment mechanisms, sensors, and intelligent ergonomic optimization.

Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept

The enhanced armrest system features a vertically adjustable post with multiple locking positions, a motorized adjustment mechanism, and a sensor to detect the user's arm position. The system can automatically adjust to a preferred ergonomic setting based on the user's input or tracked arm movement patterns. Additionally, a single control element allows for seamless adjustment between different tilt positions and vertical heights. The inventive concept also encompasses a method for configuring the armrest, optimizing armrest ergonomics, and tracking user arm movement patterns.

Novelty and Inventive Step

The new claims introduce the innovative combination of automated adjustment mechanisms, sensors, and intelligent ergonomic optimization, which significantly improves upon the original patent's manual adjustment and fixed ergonomic settings.

Alternative Embodiments and Variations

Alternative embodiments could include integrating the armrest with other cockpit controls, using machine learning algorithms to adapt to user preferences, or incorporating additional sensors to detect user fatigue or discomfort. Variations could also involve different materials, shapes, or sizes of the armrest to accommodate various aircraft and user requirements.

Potential Commercial Applications and Market

This inventive concept has significant commercial potential in the aerospace industry, particularly for commercial and military aircraft manufacturers seeking to improve pilot comfort and efficiency. The enhanced armrest system could also be adapted for use in other industries, such as automotive or healthcare, where ergonomic optimization is crucial.

Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)

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Field of Art

Aircraft cockpit ergonomics and adjustable human-machine interface systems, focusing on mechanical adjustment mechanisms for control interfaces

Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile

A mechanical engineer with expertise in ergonomic design, human factors engineering, and mechanical actuation systems, familiar with aerospace control interface design principles

Obviousness Rationale

A person of ordinary skill would recognize that the published technical disclosure represents predictable extensions of the source patent's core mechanical adjustment concept by incorporating standard automation and sensing technologies. The fundamental armrest adjustment mechanism remains substantially unchanged, with the primary innovations being the addition of motorized and sensor-based adjustment techniques that are well-known in the ergonomic design field. These variations represent logical technological progressions that would be apparent to a skilled practitioner seeking to improve user interaction and comfort.

Obvious Combinations & Variations

Source Patent Element

Post with multiple locking grooves and a single control element for adjustment

PTD Variation

Adding motorized adjustment mechanism to automatically engage locking positions

Obviousness Reasoning

Motorization of mechanical adjustment systems is a known technique in ergonomic design, representing a predictable application of existing automation technologies to improve user interaction

Source Patent Element

Fixed armrest with manual positioning

PTD Variation

Integrating sensors to detect user arm position and automatically adjust ergonomic settings

Obviousness Reasoning

Adaptive sensing technologies are commonly used in human-machine interfaces to optimize user comfort, representing a standard design approach for improving interaction efficiency

Source Patent Element

Manual tilt and vertical adjustment mechanisms

PTD Variation

Implementing machine learning algorithms to track and predict user preference patterns

Obviousness Reasoning

Adaptive learning systems are a predictable extension of basic adjustment mechanisms, representing a finite and obvious approach to personalizing user interface configurations

Source Patent Element

Console-mounted armrest with mechanical adjustment

PTD Variation

Adding force sensors to detect user applied pressure and automatically reconfigure armrest position

Obviousness Reasoning

Integrating force-sensing technologies into mechanical systems is a well-established design technique for creating responsive and adaptive interfaces

35 U.S.C. § 103 Summary: Based on the teachings of US Patent 11857085, the present publication demonstrates that the claimed variations in armrest adjustment mechanisms represent obvious modifications to the prior art. A person having ordinary skill in the art would readily recognize that the disclosed technical improvements constitute predictable combinations of known mechanical adjustment techniques with standard sensing and automation technologies, thereby rendering such variations obvious and non-patentable under 35 U.S.C. Section 103.

Original Patent Information

Patent Number	US 11,857,085
Title	Single control console mounted armrest
Assignee(s)	AMI Industries, Inc.