Systems and methods for securing a fabric cover to an armrest
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armrest assemblies for vehicles require labor-intensive installation of fabric covers and often experience issues with the cover becoming uncoupled, particularly around the nose of the armrest, due to the use of hard and unergonomic materials for clamping, which can lead to physical strain and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
The armrest assembly incorporates a cover retention bracket with channels and protrusions that securely engage a flexible cover, allowing for easy installation and retention without the need for fasteners, using an array of progressively taller protrusions and laterally distal curved profiles to grip the fabric effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hard and unergonomic materials are used for clamping the fabric cover, then the cover retention strength is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to physical strain and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the clamping mechanism by using compliant, ergonomic materials with specific durometer ranges (40-70 Shore A) instead of hard materials. The protrusions are designed with specific dimensions (0.125-0.250 inches tall) and curved profiles that optimize both gripping force and installation ease, transforming the clamping action from a high-force mechanical operation to a more compliant, easier-to-perform action.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs flexible protrusions made of compliant material that can deform during installation and then elastic recover to grip the fabric cover. These flexible elements replace rigid clamping structures, allowing the system to maintain strong retention while requiring less installation force and causing less physical strain to the operator.
2Reliability
If conventional fasteners are used to secure the fabric cover, then the cover retention is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for bolts or screws
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for separate fasteners (bolts, screws, clips) by integrating the retention function directly into the armrest frame through protrusions that are molded or formed as part of the frame structure. This integration simplifies the overall device while maintaining reliable cover retention through the elastic recovery of the compliant protrusions.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant protrusions are designed to automatically grip and retain the fabric cover through their elastic properties, eliminating the need for additional fastening operations or separate retention components. The material's natural elastic recovery provides the retention force, making the system self-servicing and reducing structural complexity.
3Shape
If the fabric cover is stretched over the armrest during installation, then the cover fit is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the labor-intensive installation process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary action by designing the protrusions with curved profiles and specific geometries that guide and facilitate the stretching process. The channels and protrusion arrangements are pre-configured to direct the fabric cover into proper position and orientation, reducing the manual effort and skill required for installation while ensuring proper cover fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the retention elements by using compliant materials with specific durometer ranges (40-70 Shore A) and optimizing protrusion dimensions (0.125-0.250 inches tall with specific radius of curvature). These parameter optimizations allow the cover to be stretched and secured with reduced installation force and time while maintaining proper fit and retention.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for an armrest assembly for a seat installed within a cab of a vehicle. The armrest assembly can include a cover retention bracket having channels for receiving an arm cover in preparation for covering an armrest. The cover retention bracket can have one or more protrusions arranged along the channels and configured to engage the cover to secure the cover to the armrest.