Vehicle Armrest Console With Sliding Deployable Table
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers in vehicles often require a convenient and deployable work surface within the cabin interior, but existing solutions do not efficiently provide a compact and functional workspace.
Innovation Solution
An armrest assembly with a deployable table that slides forward and rotates upward via a linkage assembly, incorporating a track system and pivotable mechanisms, allowing the table to pivot between a stacked and deployed position, and auxiliary armrests that pivot for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a work surface is provided in the vehicle, then passenger convenience is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is merged with the armrest console assembly, combining storage, armrest, and work surface functions into a single integrated unit. The table panels are stored within the console housing and deploy from the same structure that provides armrest and storage functions, eliminating the need for separate work surface equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface transitions from a static to a dynamic configuration through the deployable table mechanism. The table panels can pivot between stored and deployed positions using linkage assemblies and track systems, allowing the work surface area to change based on passenger needs while maintaining a compact form when not in use.
2Area of moving object
If a deployable table is provided, then work surface area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is divided into multiple detachable table panels that can be individually deployed and positioned. The table assembly includes separate panels connected through linkage mechanisms, allowing incremental deployment and configuration flexibility while reducing the complexity of deploying a single large surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The table panels are nested within the console housing when not in use, with each panel stored in a compact configuration inside the console. The linkage assemblies and track systems are also integrated within the console structure, allowing all components to occupy minimal space when the work surface is not required.
3Ease of operation
If the table is easily deployed and stowed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The table deployment mechanism uses self-servicing linkage assemblies that automatically guide the table panels through their deployment and stowing motions. The track systems and pivot mechanisms are designed to move the panels along predetermined paths without requiring manual manipulation or complex control systems, reducing operational complexity while maintaining ease of use.
4Ease of operation
If auxiliary armrests are added, then passenger comfort is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary armrests are integrated into the console structure and serve multiple functions: providing armrest support when the table is deployed, serving as structural elements of the console assembly, and potentially acting as attachment points for the table linkage mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and minimizes overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest center console for a vehicle includes a housing defining a storage bin, a track assembly having a first and second tracks provided on opposite sides of the housing, and an armrest cover assembly supported on the housing and having a deployable table. The armrest center console also includes a linkage assembly coupling the armrest cover assembly to the first and second tracks, wherein the armrest cover assembly is configured to slide forward on the first and second rail and to rotate upward via the linkage assembly to deploy the deployable table.