Vehicle Armrest Locking Mechanism with Position-Triggered Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle accessories, such as armrests, lack a simple and effective control mechanism for locking and adjusting their position, which can lead to unintended movements and user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a control system that includes switching elements and a setting device, allowing the adjustment part to be locked in specific positions and moved between catch and release positions, ensuring immobility in one direction and mobility in another, using form-fit and force-fit locking formations and a brake mechanism for controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent unintended movements, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the adjustment part. The control system uses the movement of the adjustment part itself to trigger the locking mechanism through switching elements, eliminating the need for separate control inputs and simplifying the overall control structure while ensuring reliable positioning
Solution Approach 2:
Switching elements detect the position of the adjustment part and provide feedback to the locking device, which automatically adjusts its state accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the locking device responds appropriately to the adjustment part's position, providing reliable locking without requiring complex external control systems
2Ease of operation
If a control system with switching elements is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to be actuated automatically by the movement of the adjustment part itself. As the adjustment part moves along its path, it naturally triggers the switching elements at specific positions, which in turn control the locking device. This self-actuating mechanism provides ease of operation without requiring additional controls or complex user interactions
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is integrated with the adjustment mechanism itself. The switching elements are positioned along the path of the adjustment part, and the control functions are merged into the existing mechanical structure. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall system while maintaining ease of operation
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 solution provides a simple and effective control mechanism for locking and adjusting the armrest, preventing sudden movements and ensuring user comfort by allowing controlled and step-wise adjustments, enhancing user experience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
using form-fit and force-fit locking formations and a brake mechanism for controlled movement
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an accessory, with a base (11) and an adjustment part (12), movable in translation and/or in rotation relative to the base, that is movable along a path between a first end position and a second end position and can be locked in at least one position with a locking device (13) with first locking formations that are associated with the adjustment part (12) and second locking formations that are associated with the base (11), with a control system with a first controller associated with the adjustment part (12) and a second controller associated with the base (11), with which controller the locking device (13) is adjustable between a catch position and a release position depending on the position of the adjustment part (12).The special feature consists in that the one set of controller comprises a first switching element (21) on a first end region of the path and a second switching element (22) on a second end region, wherein a movable setting device (37) of the other set of controller can be actuated by of the switching element (21, 22) in such a way that locking formations that are in an operative connection with the setting device (37) are movable between a catch position and a release position.