Adaptive Armrest Systems for Specialized Aviation Environments
Legal Citation
Summary of the Inventive Concept
This inventive concept discloses adaptive armrest systems tailored to specific, high-demand aviation environments, including high-security cockpits, disaster relief operations, extreme weather conditions, pilot flight suits, and search and rescue aircraft.
Background and Problem Solved
The original patent addressed the issue of fixed armrests in aircraft, which can be limiting for pilots of varying sizes. However, the original design did not account for the unique demands of specialized aviation environments. This inventive concept solves the problem of adapting the armrest system to these specific contexts, ensuring optimal pilot comfort, safety, and performance.
Detailed Description of the Inventive Concept
The adaptive armrest systems comprise an arm pad deck, a post connected to the arm pad deck defining a plurality of post grooves, a linkage connected to the arm pad deck, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism is configured to accommodate various operational requirements, such as biometric authentication for high-security cockpits, waterproof seals for extreme weather conditions, quick-release mechanisms for pilot flight suits, and redundant locking systems for search and rescue aircraft. The system allows for adjusting the tilt angle of the arm pad deck to accommodate pilots of varying sizes and securing the arm pad deck in a fixed position using the locking mechanism.
Novelty and Inventive Step
The inventive concept's novelty lies in its adaptability to specific, high-demand aviation environments, which is not addressed by the original patent. The inventive step is the integration of specialized features, such as biometric authentication, waterproof seals, quick-release mechanisms, and redundant locking systems, to ensure optimal performance in these unique contexts.
Alternative Embodiments and Variations
Alternative embodiments may include adjustable armrest systems for other specialized aviation environments, such as medical evacuation aircraft or aerial firefighting aircraft. Variations may include different locking mechanisms, linkage designs, or post configurations to accommodate diverse operational requirements.
Potential Commercial Applications and Market
The adaptive armrest systems have significant commercial potential in the aviation industry, particularly in niche markets such as high-security aircraft, disaster relief operations, and search and rescue missions. The systems can be integrated into new aircraft designs or retrofitted into existing aircraft, providing a competitive advantage for manufacturers and operators.
Section 103 Obviousness Analysis (PHOSITA)
Field of Art
Aircraft cockpit ergonomics and adjustable seating/control interfaces, with expertise in mechanical design, human factors engineering, and adaptive control systems
Person of Ordinary Skill (PHOSITA) Profile
A mechanical engineer with 5-7 years experience in aerospace design, familiar with human-machine interface standards, ergonomic adaptation techniques, and modular mechanical systems with adjustable components
Obviousness Rationale
A PHOSITA would recognize that the source patent's fundamental armrest design provides a flexible mechanical framework that can be readily adapted to specialized aviation environments. The core mechanical principles of adjustable positioning, groove-based locking mechanisms, and linkage systems are directly transferable across different operational contexts. The PTD's variations represent predictable engineering modifications that extend the source patent's core technological concept by integrating domain-specific requirements.
Obvious Combinations & Variations
Original Patent Information
| Patent Number | US 11,857,085 |
|---|---|
| Title | Single control console mounted armrest |
| Assignee(s) | AMI Industries, Inc. |