Vehicle Armrest Latch Lockout Assembly for Quiet Secure Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest latch lock out mechanisms in vehicles are prone to noise, incomplete engagement, and accidental opening due to design imperfections and excessive parts, leading to unintended spillage of contents when the armrest is rotated.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, low-cost latch lock out assembly featuring a flexible body and a blocking member with over-molded ribs, made from moldable elastomeric material, which uses gravity to switch between engaged and disengaged positions, reducing noise and parts while ensuring secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional gravity actuated mechanisms (locking ball, barrel, or pendulum) are used to prevent inadvertent opening, then the latch lock out function is achieved, but noise increases due to rattling from moveable portions moved by vehicle vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible latch lock out assembly that bends to engage and disengage the latch hook, replacing rigid moveable parts (ball, barrel, pendulum) with a flexible element that eliminates rattling noise while maintaining the lock out function
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible latch lock out assembly is integrated directly into the armrest structure, merging the lock out mechanism with the armrest body to eliminate separate moveable portions that could rattle
2Reliability
If prior art lock out systems are used, then the latch lock out function is achieved, but design imperfections and free parts hinder proper operation, leading to inadvertent opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates free parts from the mechanism, using a integrated flexible latch lock out assembly that is free from design imperfections and extraneous components that could hinder operation
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible latch lock out assembly eliminates the need for multiple rigid parts and free components, using a single flexible element that bends to perform the lock out function without design imperfections interfering with operation
3Reliability
If conventional lock out mechanisms with many parts are used, then the latch lock out function is provided, but manufacturing cost and assembly labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple components into a single flexible latch lock out assembly, reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and assembled, thereby lowering production cost and labor requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible latch lock out assembly can be manufactured as a single molded piece, eliminating the need for multiple parts and complex assembly operations, reducing both manufacturing cost and assembly labor
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 quiet, secure, and easy-to-install latch lock out mechanism that prevents accidental opening of the armrest lid when in a vertical position, reducing noise and production complexity while maintaining effective functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The latch lock out assembly will move via gravity between an engaged locking position and a disengaged secondary position
Data Source
AI summary
A latch lock out assembly for use with an armrest of a vehicle is disclosed. The latch lock out assembly comprises a flexible body secured to the armrest on an end of the body. The latch lock out assembly also comprises a generally cylindrically shaped blocking member arranged on an end of the body. The blocking member will be used to block the disengagement of a latch from a locking surface when the armrest is in a generally vertical or seat back position but flex or bend to a secondary or disengaged position when the armrest is in a generally horizontal position within the vehicle.