Vehicle Armrest Box Bidirectional Locking for Rear-Seat Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle armrest boxes are limited to single-direction opening and closing, which does not meet the storage and retrieval needs of passengers in rear rows.

Innovation Solution

A bidirectional opening/closing device is introduced, featuring a base, plate, trigger mechanism, and two locking mechanisms with symmetrically arranged lock arms that rotate in opposite directions, allowing the plate to open and close in both directions, facilitated by a trigger lever and locking hooks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-direction opening mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the accessibility for rear row passengers is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening directionVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into two independent locking mechanisms (first locking mechanism and second locking mechanism), each controlling one direction of opening. This segmentation allows the armrest box to achieve bidirectional opening capability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger mechanism serves multiple functions: it can selectively activate either the first locking mechanism or the second locking mechanism depending on which direction the armrest box needs to open. This multi-functionality allows a single trigger to control bidirectional opening without requiring separate control systems for each direction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If bidirectional locking mechanisms are added, then the opening versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebidirectional operationVSAvoidtrigger mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first trigger and second trigger are merged into a single integrated trigger mechanism that can selectively engage with either the first locking mechanism or the second locking mechanism. This merging reduces the overall number of components and simplifies the control system while maintaining bidirectional operation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of having separate trigger mechanisms for each opening direction, the design inverts the approach by using a single trigger mechanism that can be selectively positioned to activate different locking mechanisms. This inversion simplifies the device structure while achieving the desired bidirectional functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3974256B1Bidirectional opening/closing device, and armrest box and vehicle
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 GREAT WALL MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP3974256B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3974256B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3974256B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to the field of vehicles. Provided a bidirectional opening/closing device, an armrest box and a vehicle. The bidirectional opening/closing device includes a base, a plate, a trigger mechanism and two locking mechanisms; each locking mechanism includes a lock arm with a hinged end and a free end, the lock arm is installed on the base by the means of the hinged end, the lock arm and the base can be locked or unlocked, and the lock arm can rotate around the hinged end when the lock arm and the base are unlocked; the two lock arms are arranged symmetrically and in parallel, and the free ends of the two lock arms face opposite directions, such that the two lock arms have opposite directions of rotation. The trigger mechanism is installed on the plate, and the trigger mechanism can selectively unlock one lock arm from the base, such that the lock arm can drive the plate to rotate around the hinged end of the lock arm. The bidirectional opening/closing device can achieve bidirectional opening/closing, and when applied to an armrest box of the vehicle, same can meet the requirements of a passenger in a rear row for storing and taking out an object.