Linear Armrest Brake Mechanism for Infinite Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrests in vehicles lack a mechanism to securely position the armrest at various points along a linear path, limiting user convenience and comfort by restricting movement to discrete positions.
Innovation Solution
A movable armrest assembly with a brake mechanism comprising first and second brake members that can engage at any of an infinite number of positions, allowing the armrest to be locked in place along a continuous path between full-forward and full-rearward positions, utilizing a linkage and biasing members to facilitate smooth movement and secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a brake mechanism with infinite positioning is implemented, then the positioning precision and user convenience are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A brake member is introduced as an intermediary component between the armrest and the base. The brake member includes a brake surface that contacts the armrest and can be positioned at any location along a linear path, enabling infinite positioning without requiring complex mechanical linkages or discrete locking mechanisms at each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism transitions from static discrete positioning to dynamic continuous positioning. The brake member can be moved along the linear path and held at any position, allowing the armrest to be secured at infinitely many positions rather than fixed discrete locations, achieving continuous adjustability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is made movable along a linear path, then the adaptability and user comfort are improved, but the stability and secure positioning are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The brake member acts as a mediator that provides secure positioning while maintaining movability. It contacts the armrest at a brake surface and can be positioned anywhere along the linear path, allowing the armrest to be both movable and securely held at any desired position without compromising stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is pre-configured with a brake surface and biasing member that automatically engage to hold the armrest in position. This preliminary setup ensures that once the armrest reaches any position along the linear path, it is automatically secured without requiring additional actions from the user.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the armrest to be positioned at any point along its linear path, providing enhanced user convenience and comfort by allowing infinite positioning options between predefined limits, thereby addressing the limitations of discrete positioning systems.
Implementation Method 1
the brake mechanism may include a biasing member biasing the second brake member toward the engaged position
Implementation Method 2
The first and second brake members may be engageable with each other at any of an infinite number of positions between the first and second positions
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest assembly may include a base member, an armrest member, and a brake mechanism. The armrest member may be linearly movable relative to the base member between a first position and a second position. The brake mechanism may include first and second brake members. The first brake member may be fixed relative to the base member. The second brake member may be movable with the armrest member relative to the base member and may be movable relative to the first brake member between an engaged position restricting relative movement between the armrest member and the base member and a disengaged position allowing relative movement between the armrest member and the base member. The first and second brake members may be engageable with each other at any of an infinite number of positions between the first and second positions.