Vehicle Armrest Locking Mechanism Using Cam Disk Dynamics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fold-out components, such as vehicle seat armrests, have complex and unreliable securing mechanisms that can lead to uncontrolled movement during accidents, influenced by factors like cushion pressure, friction, and positional errors.
Innovation Solution
A fold-out component with a cam disk and locking element that rotates faster than the component itself during an accident, securing the armrest in its stowage position, reducing interference from variables and eliminating the need for a spring-loaded pawl, thus enhancing stability and reducing noise issues like Buzz, Squeak, and Rattle (BSR).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional spring-loaded pawl securing mechanism is used, then the armrest can be secured in stowage position, but the mechanism is complex and prone to BSR (Buzz, Squeak, and Rattle) issues
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the spring-loaded pawl from the securing mechanism, replacing it with a cam disk-based locking system. This removal of the problematic component directly addresses the BSR issues while simplifying the overall mechanism structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the locking mechanism by using a cam disk with specific geometric profiles that engage with locking surfaces. The cam disk's rotation angle and engagement timing are precisely controlled to achieve reliable locking without the need for spring-loaded components.
2Reliability
If a conventional securing mechanism is used, then the armrest can be locked, but it is sensitive to timing changes and interfering variables like cushion pressure and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The cam disk is designed to initiate the locking action in advance of the armrest's movement. The locking surfaces are positioned such that engagement occurs before the armrest reaches its final position, ensuring locking happens proactively rather than reactively, thus avoiding timing sensitivity issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam disk employs curved surfaces and geometric profiles that provide smooth, progressive engagement with the locking surfaces. This curvature design ensures consistent mechanical advantage and reliable locking regardless of variations in cushion pressure, friction, or minor timing deviations.
3Device complexity
If the locking element rotates at the same speed as the fold-out component, then the mechanism is simple, but it cannot reliably lock against timing changes and interfering variables
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a dynamic relationship between the cam disk rotation and the armrest movement. The cam disk rotates at a different angular velocity than the armrest, creating a controlled timing offset that ensures reliable locking. This dynamic parameter differentiation enhances robustness while maintaining acceptable mechanism complexity.
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 locking mechanism is robust against timing changes, locks quickly and maintains the locked state for a significant duration, reducing risk to occupants and minimizing noise issues, and can be applied to various vehicle mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element rotates about an axis of rotation from an actuating position into a locking position in the event of an accident
Data Source
AI summary
A fold-out component body (1), in particular an armrest of a vehicle seat, can be rotated about an axis of rotation (4) from a stowage position (9) into a usage position (10). In the event of an accident, the fold-out component (1) can be secured in the stowage position thereof by a locking element (2).