Vehicle Armrest Lock Mechanism for Sliding Console Access

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional slidable armrests in vehicles have a lock mechanism that prevents the console box from being opened when the armrest slides forward, as the lever to unlock the lock is fixed and inaccessible during sliding motion.

Innovation Solution

An armrest lock design featuring a lever coupled to a sliding cover, a rod, a trigger, and a locking element that allows the console box to be opened regardless of the armrest's sliding position, with the locking element being unlocked by a trigger mechanism that operates through a rotating lever and rod system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the armrest slides forward to accommodate different body sizes, then the adaptability and comfort are improved, but the lever becomes inaccessible and the console box cannot be opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability of armrest to different body sizesVSAvoidaccessibility of lever to open console box

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed to rotate about a pivot point, transforming from a static locking mechanism to a dynamic one. When the lever is actuated, the locking element rotates to disengage from the locked position, allowing the door to open even when the armrest is in the forward sliding position. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction by maintaining operational accessibility across different armrest positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element operates in a rotational dimension rather than purely linear translation. By pivoting about a point, the locking element can engage and disengage through rotational motion, creating a new degree of freedom that allows the lever to remain accessible and functional regardless of the armrest's linear sliding position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the lever and locking mechanism are fixed in position, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the console box cannot be opened when armrest slides forward

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of lock mechanism structureVSAvoidability to open console box during sliding

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element transitions from a fixed, static component to a dynamic rotating component. This adds minimal complexity while enabling the door to be opened regardless of armrest position, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The locking element acts as an intermediary between the lever and the door. It translates the lever's motion into rotational movement that disengages the lock, providing a simple yet effective mechanism that bridges the gap between the fixed lever position and the need for door access during sliding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9920782B2Armrest lock

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An armrest lock may include a lever coupled to one side of the sliding cover, a rod provided in the sliding cover such that one side thereof is coupled to the lever, a trigger coupled to the other side of the rod and configured to operate in response to a motion of the lever, and a locking element coupled to the opening door and the armrest body and configured to be unlocked from at least one of the opening door and the armrest body when coming into contact with the trigger.