Vehicle Armrest Lever Locking Mechanism Space Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle armrests face challenges in securely locking in positions under large holding forces while minimizing space and noise, especially when subjected to significant forces and movements.
Innovation Solution
The armrest incorporates a pivoting lever with adjustable locking mechanisms, including holding means and a directional lock, which allows for secure locking in one direction while allowing free movement in another, coupled with a spring-loaded system to manage pivoting forces and reduce noise through strategic placement and movement coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a segmented element with segmented teeth and a fixed ratchet mechanism is used to lock the armrest, then the armrest can be locked in specific positions, but the segmented element requires a large amount of installation space
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from a complex segmented element with multiple teeth and separates it into a simple lever mechanism with holding means. The lever can be pivoted between a locked position and a release position, eliminating the need for a segmented element while maintaining reliable locking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a fixed ratchet mechanism that requires a segmented element, the invention inverts the approach by using a movable lever that can be pivoted to engage or disengage holding means. This inversion allows the locking function to be achieved with minimal installation space.
2Force
If the lever is positioned far from the pivot joint to achieve high holding forces, then the holding force increases, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the space-force trade-off by changing the spatial arrangement: the lever is positioned far from the pivot joint in one dimension (radially outward) to maximize lever arm and holding force, while the holding means are positioned close to the pivot joint in another dimension (axially inward) to minimize installation space requirements.
3Reliability
If a traditional locking mechanism with gears is used, then the armrest can be locked securely, but noise caused by the locking device is audible to vehicle occupants
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the traditional mechanical gear-based locking system with a lever-based system that uses holding means to secure the lever in the locked position. This substitution eliminates the ratcheting noise associated with gear mechanisms while maintaining secure locking, as the holding means prevent the lever from moving without requiring noisy mechanical engagement.
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
This design achieves secure locking under large forces, minimizes noise, and conserves space by optimizing the lever's movement and positioning, ensuring the armrest remains stable and quiet even under heavy use.
Implementation Method 1
Within this angular range, the support arm and the lever assume a defined relative position to each other. In at least one relative position of the support arm to the lever, forces can be transmitted from the support arm to the lever.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an arm rest, in particular for a vehicle seat, comprising a support arm (12), which can be pivoted about a pivot axis (a1) between at least one use position and at least one non-use position, and which by means of a locking device (19) that can be moved between a locking position and a release position can be locked in at least one position. First retaining means (21) are assigned to the support arm (12), which can releasably be brought into engagement with second retaining means (22) that are connected to the vehicle structure, in order to lock the movement of the support arm (12) in at least one direction (u2) and in at least one locking position. The invention is characterized in that the locking device (19) comprises at least one lever (13) that interacts with the support arm (12), which relative to the support arm (12) is movably mounted, wherein the lever (13) is provided with the first retaining means.