Vehicle Armrest Spring-Loaded Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest designs for vehicle seats are not easy to produce and use, particularly in terms of secure positioning and effortless handling, as they often require excessive force to lock or unlock and lack efficient locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An armrest with a pivotably mounted support arm loaded by a spring, featuring a locking device with first and second locking means that interact with the spring, allowing easy locking and unlocking with minimal spring deflection, and automatic release when a specific force is applied, utilizing a one-piece leaf spring with angled spring legs for support, fastening, and locking functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-loaded locking mechanism with ramp structures is used, then the armrest can be locked securely in position, but excessive force is required to move the armrest into and out of the locked position
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into separate locking means on the support arm and corresponding locking means on the base part, allowing independent optimization of each component's geometry and function
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to overcome a spring force to engage the lock, the mechanism is designed so that the spring automatically engages the locking means when the support arm is in the correct position, and the user only needs to apply minimal force to disengage
2Reliability
If a complex locking device with multiple components is used, then secure positioning is achieved, but the device becomes difficult to produce and assemble
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are combined into a single integrated locking device that includes both the locking means and the spring mechanism, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The spring serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the locking force, enables automatic engagement, and allows for controlled release, eliminating the need for separate components for each function
3Stability of the object's composition
If the spring is designed to load the support arm over the entire pivoting range, then continuous support is provided, but the locking mechanism requires excessive spring deflection to engage and disengage
Solution Approach 1:
The spring's support function is localized to specific angular ranges rather than being uniformly applied across the entire pivoting range, allowing different regions of the spring's travel to serve different purposes (support vs. locking 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
The armrest is easy to produce and user-friendly, providing secure locking in the upper end position without excessive effort, allowing effortless movement between positions and ensuring the armrest remains locked unless a specific force is applied, enhancing user convenience and manufacturing simplicity.
Implementation Method 1
the spring is formed in one piece. The spring can be designed as a leaf spring, for example. The spring is a torsion spring having a first and a second spring leg. at least one of the spring legs is freely movable. Due to the restoring force of the spring, the spring leg moves back to its initial position after it has been deformed.
Implementation Method 2
The spring is a torsion spring having a first and a second spring leg. The end of the spring that loads the armrest is connected to a locking piece 46 that is rotatable about the pivot axis
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an armrest comprising a base (13) and a support arm (14) pivotably mounted on the base (13) between a first end position and a second end position, wherein the support arm (14) can be locked in at least one position relative to the base (13) by means of a locking device (20), wherein the support arm (14) has first locking means (36) that interact with second locking means (28) associated with the base (13), and wherein the support arm (14) is biased by a spring (19) in the direction (u1) of the first end position. The special feature is that the first or the second locking means are associated with the spring (19).