Vehicle Armrest Height Adjustment One-Way Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle armrest systems lack a simple and cost-effective mechanism for adjustable height adjustment, and storage compartments in vehicle consoles often require complex latching mechanisms that are not easily adaptable for multiple height settings.
Innovation Solution
An armrest system with a one-way locking mechanism for height adjustment using a sliding member and track, and a latching device with an elastic element, guide channel, and guide element that changes direction of force action to allow for multiple latching positions, enabling adjustable armrest and storage compartment positioning relative to the console.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex latching mechanism is used for storage compartment positioning, then the armrest height adjustment is reliable, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it latches the storage compartment in vertical positions and simultaneously provides one-way locking for the armrest height adjustment. The guide channel with latching positions and the elastic element work together to control both the storage compartment movement and the armrest support movement, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the storage compartment latching function and the armrest height locking function into a single integrated mechanism. The guide element interacts with both the guide channel (for storage compartment positioning) and the locking element (for armrest locking), merging two functions into one structural system that reduces overall complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple adjustment mechanism is used for armrest height, then the manufacturing cost decreases, but the reliability and versatility of multiple height settings decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the movement direction. The locking element and guide channel geometry automatically perform the locking function when the armrest support moves upward to a latching position, and automatically release when moving downward, eliminating the need for additional actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide channel acts as an intermediary element that translates the movement of the armrest support into engagement or disengagement of the locking element. The guide channel's specific geometry mediates between the simple upward/downward movement and the complex locking/unlocking action, enabling reliable height adjustment with simple components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is made movable for height adjustment, then the user comfort and versatility improve, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest support structure serves multiple functions: it supports the armrest, guides the height adjustment movement through the guide channel, engages the locking mechanism at specific heights, and allows easy return to the lowest position. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions between two dynamic states: a locked state where the locking element engages with the guide channel at specific latching positions to hold the armrest at desired heights, and an unlocked state where the armrest can be freely adjusted. The deactivation mechanism dynamically switches between these states based on movement direction.
4Reliability
If a one-way locking mechanism is used to block downward movement, then the armrest maintains position reliably, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide channel and locking element are designed with asymmetric geometries that provide different functions in different directions. The guide channel has latching positions that engage with the locking element during upward movement to prevent downward drift, but the deactivation mechanism allows easy disengagement during downward movement to the lowest position. This asymmetric design provides reliable positioning without complex bidirectional control.
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 solution provides a reliable, inexpensive, and versatile mechanism for armrest height adjustment and storage compartment positioning, enhancing user comfort and convenience by allowing multiple adjustable settings without additional components.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element, wherein the elastic element is designed to exert a force on the guide element in the direction of a guide surface of the guide channel
Implementation Method 2
a deactivation mechanism to deactivate the locking mechanism and allow the return of the armrest to the lowest adjustment position, wherein the deactivation mechanism comprises a track and a sliding member travelling along the track
Data Source
AI summary
An interior system has a support and movable member mounted to be movable relative to the support for adjusting the height of the movable member, with a locking mechanism configured to allow unidirectional movement of the movable member relative to the support from a lowest adjustment position to a highest adjustment position. The interior system includes a deactivation mechanism for deactivating the locking mechanism and allowing the return of the movable member to the lowest adjustment position. The deactivation mechanism includes a track and a sliding member sliding along the track, with the sliding member and the track interacting to allow the locking mechanism to engage upon movement of the movable member from the lowest adjustment position to the highest adjustment position, and to disengage when the movable member exceeds the highest adjustment position and until it returns to the lowest adjustment position.