Vehicle Armrest Brake with Ramp Slides for Controlled Pivoting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest designs fail to control the pivoting motion effectively, allowing slippage during overload and not providing a controlled braking mechanism to slow down the movement from one end position to another.
Innovation Solution
A brake system with sliding structures and ramps is integrated, where the sliding surfaces are configured as ramps with varying slopes to create different frictional forces, assisted by a spring mechanism and controller to control the spring deflection, ensuring the armrest moves slowly into one end position and easily into the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If frictional connection between latch elements is used to hold the arm support in position, then the arm support is locked in set and locked positions, but slippage occurs during overload and the pivoting motion is not controlled
Solution Approach 1:
A brake device with ramp-shaped slide surfaces is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the arm support and base. The ramp structure mediates the pivoting motion by converting linear displacement into rotational braking torque, providing controlled deceleration without compromising the locking function of the latch elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake device changes the friction parameter dynamically during pivoting motion. As the arm support moves from one end position to another, the ramp geometry causes the normal force between slide surfaces to vary, creating increasing frictional braking force that slows the motion. The spring mechanism further modulates this friction parameter to maintain controlled deceleration throughout the movement range.
2Ease of operation
If a brake device with ramp-shaped slide surfaces is added to control pivoting motion, then controlled deceleration is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The brake device is designed as a self-regulating mechanism that automatically controls the pivoting motion without external control systems. The spring-loaded slide surfaces self-adjust during movement, with the ramp geometry inherently providing the braking action as the arm support pivots. This eliminates the need for complex control electronics or additional actuation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The ramp-shaped slide surfaces are positioned and dimensioned to create a balanced braking effect throughout the pivoting range. The spring force and ramp angle are calibrated so that the braking torque naturally compensates for the weight and inertia of the arm support, creating a smoothly controlled motion that feels natural to the user without requiring additional counterbalancing mechanisms.
3Speed
If the first slide surface and second slide surface are configured as ramps, then frictional force varies to slow down movement in one direction, but the opposite movement should take place easily
Solution Approach 1:
The ramp geometry is designed with asymmetric characteristics relative to the pivoting direction. When the arm support moves from the first end position toward the second, the projection moves up the ramp, creating increasing frictional resistance that slows the motion. When moving in the opposite direction, the projection moves down the ramp, reducing frictional resistance and allowing easy movement. This directional asymmetry of the ramp achieves speed control in one direction while maintaining ease of movement in the other.
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
The solution ensures stable and controlled pivoting of the armrest by varying frictional forces, preventing slippage and tilting, allowing for smooth movement between vertical and horizontal positions while maintaining a constant or increasing frictional force as needed.
Implementation Method 1
assisted by a spring mechanism and controller to control the spring deflection
Implementation Method 2
The first slide surface and the second slide surface are at least partially in contact... the downhill force counteracts movement so that the pivotable part is braked
Implementation Method 3
During a movement of the pivotable part in a first direction, wherein a projection of a sliding structure moves up the ramp of the other sliding structure, the downhill force counteracts movement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a fitting (10) for a vehicle interior comprising a base (11) and comprising a pivotable part (12) that is pivotable relative to the base about a pivot axis (a) between a first position and a second position, comprising a brake (20) with a first sliding structure (23) on the base (11) having at least one first slide surface (21) and a second sliding structure (25) on the arm support (12) having at least one second slide surface (22), wherein the second slide surface (22) is motion-connected to the arm support (12).The particular feature is that the first slide surface (21) and/or the second slide surface (22) is formed at least partially as a ramp (24).