Armrest Connector Coupling Design for Confined Mounting Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
The operability of mounting an armrest on a mount member is compromised when insufficient space is provided for coupling the mount member-side connector and the armrest-side connector, leading to difficulties in the mounting process.
Innovation Solution
The armrest design includes an arm-side wire harness with an electric wire and connector, and an arm body member with a specific arrangement section and operation hole configuration that allows for easy coupling of connectors, along with a cover to protect the operation hole and manage extra wire portions, enhancing the mounting process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is mounted on a mount member with limited space, then the mounting location flexibility is improved, but the connector coupling operability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a through-hole structure that extends from the outer surface of the arm body member into the arrangement section, creating a new spatial dimension for connector access. This allows connectors to be coupled from the outside of the armrest without requiring internal manipulation space, effectively bypassing the space limitation while maintaining mounting flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole acts as an intermediary structure that facilitates connector coupling by providing a dedicated passage. Instead of directly manipulating connectors in the limited internal space, the through-hole serves as a mediator that guides and enables the coupling operation from the external side
2Ease of operation
If the electric wire length is increased to allow connector coupling, then the connector coupling capability is improved, but the wire harness management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric wire is pre-configured with sufficient length during the armrest manufacturing process to accommodate the coupling stroke required for connector insertion. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for additional wire length adjustments or extensions during the mounting operation, maintaining wire harness management simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The electric wire serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connectivity between connectors, accommodates the coupling stroke through its length, and maintains proper routing through the arrangement section. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components to handle each requirement
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest includes an arm-side wire harness and an arm body member. The arm-side wire harness includes an electric wire and an arm-side connector on an end of the electric wire to be coupled to a mount member-side connector mounted on a mount member. The arm body member includes an arrangement section in which the electric wire of the arm-side wire harness is arranged and a mount member-side wall that is to be arranged opposite the mount member. The arm body member is to be fixed to the mount member while the mount member-side wall being opposite the mount member. The mount member-side wall includes a connector insertion hole through which the mount member-side connector can be inserted. The arm-side connector and the mount member-side connector can be arranged in the arrangement section. The arm body member includes an operation hole that is continuous from the arrangement section.