Vehicle Armrest Cover With Adjustable Closure Against Leather Cracking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicle armrests, especially leather ones, are prone to cracking due to temperature and sunlight exposure, leading to discomfort and skin irritation, and there is a need for a protective cover that can be easily applied and customized for any vehicle armrest.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle armrest cover device made from washable fabric with an opening that can be tightened using various fasteners, optionally featuring a removable placard with foam or padded material for comfort, allowing easy application and customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a vehicle armrest is made from leather material, then it provides aesthetic appearance and comfort, but it is prone to cracking due to temperature and sunlight exposure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidresistance to cracking
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a protective cover as an intermediary layer between the leather armrest and the external environment (sunlight, temperature). This cover shields the leather from harmful UV radiation and extreme temperatures, preventing cracking while maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the underlying leather material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a flexible protective cover made from durable material that can wrap around and conform to the armrest surface. This thin film-like structure provides protection against environmental damage while allowing the armrest to maintain its original appearance and comfort properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If a protective cover is designed to fit any vehicle armrest, then it increases versatility and ease of application, but it may compromise customization options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with any armrestVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cover is designed with universal features such as adjustable fasteners, elastic sections, and flexible sizing mechanisms that allow it to fit various armrest shapes and sizes. This multi-functional design enables a single cover product to serve multiple vehicle models and armrest configurations without sacrificing protection effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover incorporates dynamic elements such as adjustable straps, elastic materials, and flexible closures that can adapt to different armrest dimensions. These dynamic features allow the cover to maintain a secure fit across various sizes and shapes while still providing customized protection for each specific armrest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240253544A1Vehicle Armrest Cover Device
Publication Date: 2024.08.01 STEYNE LILLIAN
  • US20240253544A1 patent drawing
  • US20240253544A1 patent drawing
  • US20240253544A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention relates to a vehicle armrest cover device for protecting vehicle armrests. The device is comprised of a body made from a fabric material that can be easily placed over a vehicle armrest via an opening that can be tightened/closed over the armrest via a fastener. The body may be comprised of at least one indicia on the body, or that can be attached to the body via a removable placard. A portion of the body and/or the placard may be made from a foam or padded material for comfort.