Vehicle Armrest Layout for Dual Temperature-Controlled Cup Holders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for mounting cup holders with cooling and heating functions in vehicles are not commercially viable and cannot be optimized for use as an armrest in a rear seat, lacking efficient integration and space optimization.
Innovation Solution
An armrest design incorporating an intake port, exhaust port, blower, intake duct, exhaust duct, and thermoelements arranged to provide cooling and heating functions, allowing for a pair of cup holders in a side-by-side configuration within a narrow armrest width, with the blower connected to the intake port and exhaust duct branching to each cup holder, ensuring efficient air flow and heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional cooling and heating box with thermoelements is used, then cooling and heating functions are provided, but the structure cannot be optimized for use as an armrest in a rear seat and lacks efficient integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single armrest structure: the armrest body serves as both a seating support and a housing for the cooling/heating system. The cup holders are built into the armrest, and the thermoelement system is embedded within the armrest structure, allowing it to function as both an armrest and a temperature-controlled beverage storage unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the armrest structure with the cooling and heating box structure into a unified design. The intake and exhaust ports are integrated into the armrest body, the blower is housed within the armrest, and the cup holders are positioned above the intake duct, merging previously separate components into a single integrated armrest assembly.
2Quantity of substance
If a pair of cup holders are installed in a side by side configuration, then both cup holders can be accommodated, but the armrest width must be increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges the pair of cup holders in a side-by-side configuration along the lateral direction of the armrest body, utilizing the width dimension efficiently. The intake duct is positioned below the cup holders and extends rearwards, allowing the cup holders to be arranged laterally without significantly increasing the overall armrest width. The exhaust duct branches off to pass by the cup holders, optimizing spatial arrangement.
3Reliability
If thermoelements are mounted on the perimeter of the bottom of the box with ducts for heat exhaust, then cooling and heating efficiency is enhanced, but the structure cannot be optimized for armrest use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the thermoelements specifically on the cup holders rather than uniformly on the perimeter of the bottom. Each cup holder is equipped with a thermoelement that is brought into close contact with the exhaust duct, providing localized temperature control where it is most needed - at the beverage contact points - rather than uniform heating/cooling of the entire box structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The exhaust duct serves as an intermediary component that facilitates heat exchange between the thermoelements and the air flow system. The thermoelements are brought into close contact with the exhaust duct, which then transports the heat away from the cup holders, enabling efficient cooling or heating of the beverages without requiring direct exposure to the air flow from the blower.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is designed to function as both armrest and seatback, then versatility is improved, but the integration of air-conditioning lines and thermoelements becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with rotational capability, allowing it to pivot between a horizontal armrest position and a vertical seatback position. The air-conditioning lines, intake duct, and exhaust duct are configured to accommodate this rotational movement, with the ducts positioned and routed to maintain functionality in both orientations. The blower and other components are mounted to allow for the dynamic repositioning of the armrest.
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 design enhances marketability by providing reliable cooling and heating functions while allowing the armrest to function as both a seatback and armrest, ensuring comfort and safety, even in accidents, and maintaining air-conditioning efficiency without increasing weight or noise.
Implementation Method 1
Such cup holders are typically provided with thermoelements that use electrical energy to provide two kinds of functions, including cooling and heating functions
Implementation Method 2
a blower installed in the armrest body and connected to the intake port by an intake duct
Implementation Method 3
an exhaust duct extending from the blower and branching off into a plurality of diverged parts passing by the respective cup holders
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an armrest for a vehicle. The armrest includes: an intake port which is formed in a front surface of a front end of an armrest body; an exhaust port which is formed in a rear end of the armrest body; a blower which is installed in the armrest body and connected to the intake port by an intake duct; a plurality of cup holders which are arranged in a row above the intake duct; an exhaust duct which extends from the blower and branching off into a plurality of diverged parts that pass by the respective cup holders and are connected to the exhaust port; and a thermoelement which is provided on each of the cup holders and is brought into close contact with the exhaust duct.