Vehicle Armrest Assembly Button Placement for Ergonomic Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing armrest assemblies in vehicles require passengers to bend their wrists excessively to operate the unlocking mechanism, making it inconvenient and aesthetically challenging due to the placement of the knob below the armrest.
Innovation Solution
An armrest assembly with a button member slidably installed in the console main body, allowing operation on the same plane as the armrest's upper end, utilizing a locking hook and hook connection rod to unlock the armrest, and a console cover that exposes the button member, creating a continuous surface for easier operation and improved interior design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the knob is installed below the front end of the armrest, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but the passenger must bend their wrist excessively to operate it, reducing ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The button member is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (below the armrest) to a horizontal arrangement (at the front end on the same plane), changing the spatial dimension of operation. This allows the passenger to operate the button with a natural hand motion rather than bending the wrist, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and shape constraints.
2Shape
If the knob is installed below the front end of the armrest, then the locking mechanism functions, but the armrest cannot be naturally connected to the console, affecting interior aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the button member to the front end of the armrest on the same plane, the design achieves a natural connection between the armrest and console, improving interior aesthetics. Simultaneously, this positioning allows easy operation without wrist bending, resolving the contradiction between shape and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the button member is exposed on the console, then operation is simplified, but the interior design becomes compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The button member is integrated into the front end of the armrest, merging the operational element with the structural component. This integration allows the button to be easily accessible while maintaining a unified, aesthetically pleasing design where the armrest and console appear naturally connected, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and shape.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is locked to the storage box, then the storage box can be opened when needed, but the armrest requires excessive wrist bending to unlock
Solution Approach 1:
The button member is repositioned to the front end of the armrest on the same plane, changing the operational dimension from vertical (below) to horizontal (front). This allows the storage box to remain locked during normal use while enabling easy unlocking with natural hand motion, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
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
Simplifies the unlocking process by allowing operation on the same surface as the armrest's upper end, reducing wrist strain and enhancing the vehicle's interior aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
a locking hook pivotably installed in the console main body and configured to lock one side of the armrest and unlock the armrest when an operating force is transferred from the button member
Implementation Method 2
The locking hook may be elastically supported to be pivoted in a direction of locking the armrest. A torsion spring configured to elastically support the locking hook may be installed at a rotation center of the locking hook.
Implementation Method 3
the armrest assembly may further include a hook connection rod configured to transfer the operating force of the button member to the one or more locking hooks
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest assembly mounted on a console of a vehicle may include a console main body provided with a storage box in which a space is formed and installed between a driver seat and a passenger seat of a vehicle, an armrest pivotably installed in the storage box and configured to support an arm of a passenger in the vehicle and open and close an upper portion of the storage box, a button member installed in the console main body and configured to be operated by the passenger to unlock the armrest, an operating unit configured to lock or unlock the armrest from the console main body according to whether the button member is operated, and a console cover configured to cover a portion in which the button member and the operating unit are installed in the console main body and expose an upper end of the button member.