ARM(S)REST
A solution to address the problem of elbow placement upon armrests on a commercial airplane.
Airplane etiquette: Who gets the armrest?
EXISTING CONCEPT
PAPERCLIP ARMREST
James Lee, Hong Kong
James Lee, Hong Kong
Solution for “fighting for elbowroom in high density seating”.
Features a double deck geometry that allows two person to share the armrest.
Features a double deck geometry that allows two person to share the armrest.
DESIGN FLAWS
1. Double deck geometry their shoulder will be lifted to an unnatural height , which may be uncomfortable to use for longer flights.
2. Higher level will protrude through the seat and obstruct the row behind when the armrest is folded up.
3. Who gets the top level and who gets the bottom level?
2. Higher level will protrude through the seat and obstruct the row behind when the armrest is folded up.
3. Who gets the top level and who gets the bottom level?
DESIGN OBJECTIVE
Redesign commercial airplane armrests to address the debate on the rights of armrest usage.
Redesign commercial airplane armrests to address the debate on the rights of armrest usage.
Aspects of the tooling to design for are:
1. Both arms/ elbows resting at the same or similar level.
2. Not adding excess materials to create a “double deck" armrest solution.
3. Design must not affect the dimension, design and function of the seat.
1. Both arms/ elbows resting at the same or similar level.
2. Not adding excess materials to create a “double deck" armrest solution.
3. Design must not affect the dimension, design and function of the seat.
Design 01
double deck geometry
One elbow rests on the elevated surface while the other rest into the “L” cutout.
double deck geometry
One elbow rests on the elevated surface while the other rest into the “L” cutout.
Design 02
zig zag cutout
The cutouts are identical in surface area, passengers have the same equal space to rest their elbows.
zig zag cutout
The cutouts are identical in surface area, passengers have the same equal space to rest their elbows.
Design 03
zig zag cutout 2.0This design is almost identical to Design 02, but here the two protruding “islands” features are conjoined. Again, the semantics of the cutout imply clearly where each elbow should rest.
zig zag cutout 2.0This design is almost identical to Design 02, but here the two protruding “islands” features are conjoined. Again, the semantics of the cutout imply clearly where each elbow should rest.
“All three designs function the way they promised: allowing two people share the armrest in harmony without increasing the actual dimension of the armrest.”
“All three designs are brilliant. I personally love Design 2 the most, the aesthetic and the way it completely blocks off any contact with the person next to you.”
“Can’t wait for airlines and seat manufacturers to incorporate these designs into airplane seats.”
DESIGNED FOR BUT NOT LIMITED TO AIR TRAVEL.
Applicable on other public transports, transportation terminals, cinemas, lecture halls etc.
COMPLETE DESIGN DECK
arm(S)rest
arm(S)rest
