Armrest Mechanism Cam Guide Opening Reduces Assembly Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest mechanisms are complex, prone to corrosion, and difficult to maintain, with multiple pieces that can become corrupted over time, making assembly and repair costly and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A simplified armrest mechanism design featuring a connection plate with assembly holes, a rotation shaft, cam shaft, and a butterfly cam with acute corners, allowing easy assembly and maintenance, with a guide opening that facilitates smooth movement between closed, passage, and support positions without projecting excessively from the seat.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional armrest mechanisms use multiple pieces and spring mechanisms to achieve position switching, then the armrest can perform vertical and horizontal movements, but the assembly becomes complex and components become corrupted after certain usage duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (handle, guide opening, cam mechanism) into an integrated armrest mechanism where the handle group and carrying group work together as a unified system. The guide opening integrates multiple functional regions (closed position region, support region, turning region, passage regions) into a single structural element that enables all position transitions without requiring separate mechanisms for each movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables rotation of the handle group, controls the passage through different regions (closed, support, turning, passage regions), and allows bidirectional movement. The single cam structure replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate mechanisms, reducing component count while maintaining full functionality.
2Ease of operation
If traditional armrest mechanisms use multiple pieces and spring mechanisms, then the armrest can achieve position switching, but the maintenance becomes difficult and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest mechanism is segmented into distinct, easily replaceable modules: the handle group (30) can be separated from the carrying group (20), and the cam (24) can be removed from the cam shaft (23). This modular segmentation allows the cam to be replaced independently without disassembling the entire mechanism, significantly easing maintenance and repair operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam is designed as an extractable component that can be removed from the cam shaft through the segment opening (233). This extraction capability allows the cam to be replaced independently when worn or corrupted, without requiring removal of other components, thereby simplifying maintenance and reducing repair costs.
3Ease of operation
If armrest mechanisms project outward from the seat to provide support position, then the user can access the armrest, but the passage is narrowed during user movement
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest mechanism transitions from a static outward projection to a dynamic system that rotates and retracts. The handle group rotates around the rotation shaft (22) and can be retracted into the seat structure, changing the projection length dynamically. This allows the armrest to provide full support functionality when needed while minimizing obstruction to passage during user movement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of projecting outward in a straight line from the seat, the armrest mechanism utilizes rotational movement around the rotation shaft (22) to achieve position changes. The guide opening incorporates turning regions that enable the handle to move through angular positions, effectively using rotational dimensionality to provide support while reducing linear projection obstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
The subject matter invention is an armrest mechanism (10) comprising a cam (24), which can switch the armrest handle (31) used in seats, between a closed position (I), a first passage position (II), a second passage position (IV) and a support position (III); and a guide opening (321) directing the movement of said cam (24), characterized by comprising a cam shaft (23) whereon the cam (24) is positioned in a manner that said armrest mechanism (10) is rotatable on the cam (24); a carrying group (20) whereto said cam shaft (23) is connected and which is in connection to the chassis (40); and an inner plate (32) whereon said guide opening (321) is provided and which is provided on an handle group (30).