Vehicle Armrest Coupling Lockout Near Horizontal Position
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest arrangements for motor vehicles do not provide adequate safety against inadvertent operation when used in conjunction with closable storage compartments, as the inclination adjustment device can be activated unintentionally, potentially disrupting the locked position of the armrest and storage compartment.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical forced control device is integrated into the coupling mechanism, rendering it ineffective for a limited inclination angle range (0° to 5°) to prevent inadvertent activation of the inclination adjustment device, ensuring the armrest remains locked in a horizontal position and secure the storage compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the coupling is made effective for all inclination angles to enable adjustment, then the adjustability of the armrest is improved, but the risk of inadvertent operation increases when the armrest is in the locked horizontal position
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed with a forced control device that creates different functional states in different angular positions. Specifically, the coupling is rendered ineffective (safe state) only in the localized angular range of 0° to 5° where the armrest is horizontally positioned and locking the storage compartment, while remaining effective for all other angles to maintain adjustability functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the functional parameter of the coupling from effective to ineffective based on the inclination angle parameter. The forced control device detects the angular position and automatically switches the coupling state, transforming a static coupling design into a dynamically parameter-dependent one that adapts its effectiveness to the operational context.
2Ease of operation
If the actuation device is always responsive to user input, then the ease of operation for inclination adjustment is improved, but the risk of unintentional activation that could disrupt the locked position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The forced control device applies a preliminary counter-action by rendering the coupling ineffective in the critical angular range of 0° to 5°. This preventive measure blocks any actuation signals from reaching the inclination adjustment device when the armrest is in the locked horizontal position, thereby neutralizing the harmful effect of unintentional activation before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The forced control device acts as an intermediary between the actuation device and the inclination adjustment device. It intercepts and blocks actuation signals in the critical angular range, serving as a safety mediator that prevents harmful interactions while allowing normal operation in other positions.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the coupling remains engaged to maintain locked position, then the stability of the armrest in horizontal position is improved, but the ability to adjust inclination is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism transitions from a static always-engaged design to a dynamic system that automatically engages and disengages based on the armrest's inclination angle. The forced control device creates a dynamic state where the coupling is ineffective only in the 0° to 5° range, allowing the system to adapt its locking behavior to the operational context without manual intervention.
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
This solution enhances safety by preventing unintentional operation of the actuation device within the specified angle range, maintaining the armrest in a locked, horizontal position and securing the storage compartment, thus increasing the safety of the vehicle interior.
Implementation Method 1
A coupling in the form of a wrap spring is used to block the spring motor, and therefore the toothed pinions, relative to the armrest structure or to release them for a climbing movement along the toothed racks
Implementation Method 2
The actuation device has a Bowden cable which engages at one spring end of the wrap spring in order to be able to open the spring turns of the wrap spring
Implementation Method 3
A frictional engagement of the wrap spring with a fixed bearing, which is associated with the armrest structure, and a movable bearing, which is associated with the toothed pinions, is thereby released
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest arrangement having an armrest structure supported in a pivotably movable manner relative to a fixed carrier structure and having an inclination adjustment device which has at least one rotationally movably supported adjustment element which can be displaced along a fixed guide path. The armrest arrangement has an actuation device for activating the inclination adjustment device which is operationally connected to a mechanical coupling in order to release or to block the adjustment element for a rotational movement. A mechanical forced control device which switches an activation of the coupling by the actuation device for a limited inclination angle range of the armrest structure relative to the carrier structure without effect is associated with the coupling.