Armrest Locking Structure With Low-Friction Tape
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing locking structure for center armrests in rear seats of passenger vehicles often experiences operation defects due to friction and misalignment issues, leading to potential failure during rear-end collisions, where the armrest may not properly lock in place, and excessive force is required to operate the locking mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A locking structure featuring a locking pin with a catch and latch system, where the catch is spring-loaded and includes a projection and recess to facilitate automatic locking when the armrest is folded up, and a knob-operated wire mechanism to release the lock, using a tape with a lower friction coefficient to reduce noise and a flange to limit rotation, ensuring secure locking with minimal operational force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking pins are inserted into apertures to lock the armrest, then the armrest rotation is locked securely, but friction occurs and excessive force is required to operate the knob
Solution Approach 1:
A tape with low friction coefficient is introduced as an intermediary layer between the locking pin and the aperture. This tape reduces friction during the locking operation, allowing the locking pin to slide into the aperture more easily, thereby reducing the force required to operate the knob while maintaining secure locking
Solution Approach 2:
The friction coefficient parameter is changed by applying a tape material with lower friction properties to the locking pin surface. This parameter change enables smoother insertion into the aperture, reducing operational force while preserving locking reliability
2Reliability
If locking pins are inserted into apertures to lock the armrest, then the armrest rotation is locked, but misalignment and gaps prevent proper locking operation
Solution Approach 1:
The dimensional parameters of the aperture are modified by increasing its diameter or adjusting its position to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and alignment variations. This ensures that the locking pin can be properly inserted even with minor misalignments, maintaining reliable locking operation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is designed to fold up to save space, then seating capacity is improved, but the armrest may inadvertently pull down during rear-end collisions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage when the armrest reaches the folded-up position, performing the locking action in advance before any collision could occur. This preliminary locking action ensures the armrest remains securely locked during rear-end collisions, preventing it from inadvertently pulling down
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 enables automatic locking of the armrest when folded up, preventing malfunctions and allowing for easy release with minimal force, enhancing safety by ensuring the armrest remains locked during collisions and reducing noise and frictional sounds.
Implementation Method 1
a catch (20) pivotably coupled to a fixing bracket (60) embedded within the armrest housing (1a), and having an engaging portion (21) formed at one side of the catch (20) to allow the locking pin (10) to enter or be inserted into the engaging portion (21)
Implementation Method 2
using a tape with a lower friction coefficient to reduce noise and a flange to limit rotation
Data Source
AI summary
A locking structure for an armrest is provided to be pivotable to a folded up or a pulled down position. The locking structure includes a locking pin disposed at a fixed position and a catch pivotably coupled to a fixing bracket in an armrest housing, and has an engaging portion formed at a side thereof so that the locking pin enters the engaging portion, and a projection and a recess are formed to be spaced apart from the engaging portion. A latch is coupled to the fixing bracket and has a protruding portion formed at one side of the latch. A knob rotates the latch and when the armrest housing rotates upward, the catch rotates while the locking pin enters the engaging portion to lock rotation of the armrest housing. When the latch is, the locking pin is withdrawn from the catch, to permit the rotation of the armrest housing.