Motor Vehicle Armrest Crash Structure with Cross-Shaped Recesses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrests for motor vehicle side doors lack effective load absorption during side impacts, which can lead to increased force peaks that threaten vehicle occupants.
Innovation Solution
A crash element with a cross-shaped recess structure, formed from elongate openings intersecting at right angles, is integrated into the armrest, allowing energy absorption and deformation under impact, and can be made from molded plastics or metallic materials, providing cohesive unitary structure and energy absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional armrest structures are used, then the armrest provides basic support function, but it cannot effectively absorb impact energy during side collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is divided into multiple crash elements arranged in series, where each element can independently deform and absorb energy during impact. The crash elements are connected through forming projections that allow controlled relative movement, enabling progressive energy absorption rather than transmitting force as a single rigid unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The crash elements undergo parameter changes during impact, transitioning from a rigid structural state to a deformed state. The forming projections are designed to yield at specific force levels, changing the mechanical properties of the connection between elements from rigid to flexible, thereby absorbing impact energy through controlled deformation.
2Reliability
If the armrest structure is made more complex to improve energy absorption, then impact protection improves, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple crash elements are merged into a cohesive unit through forming projections that integrate them structurally while maintaining individual deformation capability. The elements are arranged and connected in such a way that they function as a unified energy absorption system, combining the benefits of modular design with integrated performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The crash structure incorporates a cellular or porous-like internal architecture within each crash element, allowing controlled collapse and deformation during impact. This internal structure enables energy absorption through buckling and folding mechanisms while maintaining a compact external form factor.
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
The crash structure effectively absorbs side impact energy, preventing armrest penetration into the passenger compartment and protecting occupants by distributing force, while being integrally connected and energy-absorbing.
Implementation Method 1
The rounded portions form externally projecting formations in the walls, via which the crash elements are joined together
Implementation Method 2
The crash structure of the armrest can absorb impact energy on the side door in the event of an impact on the vehicle in the transverse direction of the vehicle
Implementation Method 3
The crash structure within the armrest can absorb energy of a side impact and can be folded up or deformed under the action of force
Data Source
AI summary
A crash structure is provided as an internal support in an armrest on a door lining of a motor vehicle. The crash structure has cross-shaped recesses. A foam element is above the crash structure and is covered by a decorative layer above the crash structure. The crash structure absorbs loads in the event of a side impact to protect the vehicle occupants against increased force peaks.