Pivotable Armrest Locking Aid for Position Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Passengers are unclear about whether a pivoting armrest has assumed a stowed or use position during transfer, and there is a lack of effective fixation in these positions.
Innovation Solution
A system with a pivotable armrest, mounting means, and a locking aid that increases frictional contact in the transitional position, allowing passengers to recognize position changes through resistance differences, and securely fixes the armrest in use or stowed positions via a spring element and displaceable part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest is designed to pivot freely between stowed and use positions, then ease of operation is improved, but the passenger cannot clearly recognize whether the armrest has reached the intended position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking aid provides tactile feedback through variable frictional contact during pivoting. When the armrest approaches the stowed or use position, the frictional contact increases, creating a noticeable resistance that signals to the passenger that the position is being reached. This feedback mechanism allows clear position recognition while maintaining smooth pivoting motion throughout the range of motion.
2Ease of operation
If the armrest pivots smoothly without resistance, then ease of operation is improved, but fixation stability in position is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking aid dynamically adjusts the frictional contact force based on the armrest position. During transitional movement, the frictional contact is minimal allowing smooth pivoting. As the armrest approaches the stowed or use position, the locking aid engages to increase frictional contact, providing stable fixation. This dynamic behavior allows the system to provide both smooth operation and stable fixation at different stages of the pivoting motion.
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 clear recognition of position changes and secure fixation of the armrest, enhancing user awareness and stability by varying resistance during transitions between stowed, transitional, and use positions.
Implementation Method 1
a locking aid which is in frictional contact with the mounting means is arranged on the connecting element, wherein the locking aid is designed in such a way that the frictional contact between the mounting means and the locking aid is greater than in a transitional position
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention proposes a system with a pivotable armrest (1) and a locking aid (18), wherein the armrest (1) is coupled to a holding means (10) so as to be pivotable about a primary axis (11) and is reversibly transferable between a use position and a stowage position via a transition position, wherein the armrest (1) is connected to a connecting element (15) for rotation therewith, wherein the locking aid (18) is arranged on the connecting element (15), wherein the locking aid (18) is in frictional contact with the holding means (10) at a contact point or along a contact surface, wherein the locking aid (18) is configured in such a manner that the frictional contact between holding means (10) and locking aid (18) is greater in a transition position than in the use position and/or in the stowage position.