Vehicle Armrest Box Assembly with Dual Independent Storage and Motorized Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional armrest storage boxes in vehicles are inconvenient for storing and accessing commonly used items like mobile phones, coins, and paper napkins due to limited space and accessibility issues, especially for rear passengers.

Innovation Solution

The armrest box assembly features two independent storage spaces with a sliding or pivoting mechanism, a cover with a slot for easy access, and a motor-driven armrest that can be automatically opened or closed based on camera detection, voice commands, or vehicle status, ensuring convenient storage and retrieval of items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a conventional single storage space is used in the armrest box, then the structure is simple, but the storage capacity and accessibility for different passengers are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest box is divided into two independent storage spaces: a first storage space in the armrest box body and a second storage space in the armrest. This segmentation allows different passengers (front and rear) to store and access items independently, increasing overall storage capacity and accessibility without requiring a completely new design approach

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the armrest is fixed in position, then the structure is stable, but accessibility for rear passengers to store and retrieve items is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest is designed with movable capability, allowing it to slide between a retracted position (first closed position) and an extended position (first open position). This dynamic feature enables rear passengers to easily access the first storage space by sliding the armrest, significantly improving accessibility while maintaining a relatively simple sliding mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the cover is fully closed to protect items, then security is improved, but accessibility for frequently used items like paper napkins is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to itemsVSAvoiditem security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed with a local opening (slot) that provides selective access to the second storage space. This allows frequently used items like paper napkins to be accessed through the slot without fully opening the cover, maintaining security for other items while providing convenient access to commonly used items

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Extent of automation

If manual operation of the armrest is used, then the device is simple, but automated convenience based on camera detection or voice commands is not available

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomated operationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates automated features where the armrest can be opened or closed automatically based on camera detection of passengers or voice commands from users. This self-service capability enhances convenience by eliminating manual operation requirements in certain scenarios, with the automation system integrating seamlessly with the existing mechanical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11351924B2Armrest box assembly
Publication Date: 2022.06.07 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US11351924B2 patent drawing
  • US11351924B2 patent drawing
  • US11351924B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An armrest storage box assembly has an armrest box body comprising a first storage space having a first opening, and an armrest connected to the armrest box body, the armrest moving between a first closed position and a first open position to open and close the first opening. The armrest comprises an armrest body, comprising a second storage space having a second opening, and a cover connected to the armrest body, the cover moving between a second closed position at which the second opening is closed and a second open position at which the second opening is opened to open and close the second opening.