Adaptable Vehicle Seat Armrest Using Modular Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing armrest designs for motor vehicle seats require significant modifications and increased manufacturing costs and time due to variations in vehicle characteristics, as they need to be tailored to specific vehicle models and seat configurations.

Innovation Solution

The armrest design features an internal frame with protuberances and inserts with complementary holes and lugs, allowing the shape and dimensions of the lugs to be adjusted to adapt to different vehicle characteristics without modifying the internal frame, reducing the need for extensive component changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the armrest is designed to adapt to different vehicle characteristics and seat configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to vehicle characteristicsVSAvoidcomponent modification requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest is divided into modular components: a standardized internal frame and interchangeable inserts with different lug configurations. This segmentation allows the base structure to remain unchanged while adapting to different vehicles by simply swapping inserts, reducing overall system complexity despite high adaptability requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The internal frame is designed as a universal component that can work with multiple types of inserts. The standardized protuberances on the frame allow any insert to be mounted, creating a universal base that serves multiple vehicle configurations through component interchangeability rather than redesigning the entire structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the armrest design is customized for specific vehicle models and seat configurations, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing time and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization for specific vehiclesVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Different insert variants are pre-manufactured with specific lug configurations for different vehicle types. These standardized inserts are prepared in advance and can be directly installed without on-site customization, maintaining high manufacturing efficiency while enabling vehicle-specific adaptations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The insert components are produced with varying lug parameters (shape, position, dimensions) to match different vehicle characteristics. By changing only these specific parameters in the insert design while keeping the manufacturing process standardized, the system achieves customization without sacrificing production efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11618359B2Adaptable armrest for a set of vehicle seat

Publication Date: 2023.04.04 FAURECIA SIEGES D AUTOMOBILE SA

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to an armrest for a set of seats of a motor vehicle, the armrest comprising an internal frame, a first insert, and a second insert, the internal frame comprising a first side and a second side, wherein the first insert comprises a first surface, at least one hole, and at least one first lug, and the second insert comprises a second surface, at least one hole, and at least one second lug, wherein the first side and the second side of the internal frame each comprise at least one protuberance, the at least one protuberance being shaped for insertion into the at least one hole of the first insert or into the at least one hole of the second insert.