Vehicle Armrest Latch-Pinion Release for Secure Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle armrest mechanisms lack an efficient and user-friendly method for selectively latching and releasing a center armrest between a use position and a storage position, particularly in bench-type vehicle seats, where easy transition between these positions is desired for occupant comfort and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A release mechanism featuring a pivot axle, latch extensions, a release handle, and a pinion system that allows the latch extensions to move towards each other when the handle is activated, engaging or disengaging the armrest from its frame, utilizing a slider and gear rack mechanism to facilitate easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the armrest in storage position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release handle combines multiple functions: it directly moves the latch extensions via the slider and gear rack, while also compressing the latch spring. This merging of functions into a single operable component achieves reliable latching without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The latch spring automatically biases the latch extensions apart to engage with the frame, and the release handle automatically compresses the spring and moves the latch extensions when activated. The system uses its own components to achieve latching and release without external assistance
2Ease of operation
If a simple release mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The slider acts as an intermediary between the release handle and the latch extensions, translating the handle's linear movement into precise motion of the latch extensions. The gear rack serves as an intermediary that converts linear motion to rotational motion of the pinion, which then moves the latch extensions. These intermediaries ensure reliable operation while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism operates in distinct phases: the latch spring continuously biases the latch extensions apart, the release handle when activated moves the slider which rotates the pinion which moves the latch extensions together, and the latch spring then pushes them apart again. This periodic action ensures reliable engagement and disengagement
3Reliability
If a mechanical latch system is implemented, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical latch systems with a simplified system using a slider, gear rack, and pinion. This substitution maintains reliable latching through the latch spring and latch extensions while significantly improving ease of operation through the simple linear movement of the release handle that directly actuates the mechanism
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
Enables secure latching and effortless release of the armrest, allowing for easy transition between use and storage positions, enhancing occupant comfort and space utilization in vehicles with bench-type seats.
Implementation Method 1
A latch spring biases the latch extensions apart from each other
Implementation Method 2
A pinion is mounted on the armrest base for relative rotational movement. Movement of the release handle in the release direction causes rotation of the pinion relative to the armrest base
Implementation Method 3
a slider is supported on the armrest base for relative movement along a slide axis. When the release handle is moved in the release direction the slider moves in a release direction parallel to the slide axis
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle armrest includes an armrest base having a pivot axle that extends along a pivot axis. The armrest base also includes a release mechanism that includes a pair of latch extensions supported on the armrest base for relative movement along a latch axis that is substantially parallel to the pivot axis. A latch spring biases the latch extensions apart from each other. A release handle is mounted on the armrest base for relative movement in a handle release direction. A pinion is mounted on the armrest base for relative rotational movement. Movement of the release handle in the release direction causes rotation of the pinion relative to the armrest base which, in turn, causes the latch extensions to move along the latch axis toward one another.