Vehicle Armrest Latch Mechanism for Secure Selective Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle armrest release mechanisms lack an efficient and secure method to selectively latch and unlatch the armrest relative to a vehicle seat, particularly in bench-type seats, which can lead to unintended movement during vehicle acceleration or deceleration.
Innovation Solution
A release mechanism featuring a pivot axle, latch extensions with extension pins, and a latch spring, where the slider moves along a slide axis to engage or disengage the latch pins from the support plates, allowing for controlled rotation of the armrest between use and storage positions using a release handle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an active lock or latch is used to securely hold the armrest in place, then the armrest stability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into two separate latch extensions (first and second) that can independently engage with respective latch slots on the support plates. This segmentation allows the system to achieve secure holding through distributed engagement points while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The latch extensions are designed to be movable along the latch axis rather than fixed, allowing them to dynamically adjust their position. The biasing mechanism enables the latch extensions to automatically engage and disengage from the latch slots, providing secure holding when engaged and easy release when activated, thus achieving reliability without permanent complexity
2Ease of operation
If a release mechanism is added to allow selective armrest movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch spring automatically biases the latch extensions apart, enabling self-engagement with the latch slots without requiring additional actuation mechanisms. The system serves itself by using the spring's inherent elastic energy to maintain the latched state and enable release, eliminating the need for complex motorized or multi-component release systems
Solution Approach 2:
The release handle is merged with the slider component, where the handle's rotational movement directly drives the slider along the slide axis, which in turn moves the latch extensions. This merging of components creates a compact, intuitive release mechanism that provides ease of operation without adding separate complex subsystems
3Device complexity
If frictional engagement between armrest and seat is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the armrest stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch extensions act as intermediary elements between the armrest base and the support plates. Instead of relying on direct frictional engagement between the armrest and seat, the latch extensions provide a positive mechanical connection through engagement with the latch slots, ensuring stability while keeping the overall mechanism simple
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 mechanism securely latches the armrest in place and allows easy release, preventing unintended movement during vehicle operations, enhancing occupant comfort and safety by providing controlled access to the armrest's positions.
Implementation Method 1
a latch spring that applies a force to the latch extensions to bias them apart
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle armrest includes an armrest base having a pivot axle that extends along a pivot axis. The armrest also includes a release mechanism that includes a pair of latch extensions that are supported on the armrest base for relative movement along a latch axis. The latch axis is substantially parallel to the pivot axis. The release mechanism also includes a latch spring that biases the latch extensions apart from each other.