Vehicle Armrest Locking Wheel for Multi-Position Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle armrests with pivoting mechanisms lack the ability to provide stepless or stepped locking adjustments without significant design modifications, limiting user flexibility in locking positions and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle armrest with a locking device that includes a wheel with rotating locking surfaces and a latch, allowing for manual or automatic adjustment between locking and release positions, utilizing a transmission system to control the locking mechanism, which can be configured for stepless or stepped locking, and includes a restoring device to manage the locking force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional locking device with fixed tooth structures is used, then the locking mechanism is simple in design, but the ability to provide stepless or stepped locking adjustments is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device employs a movable latch that can dynamically shift between locked and unlocked positions, enabling the armrest to be secured at multiple discrete angles while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. The movable component allows adaptability without requiring complex redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes a toothed rack and pawl system where the engagement depth can vary, allowing the armrest to lock at different positions. By changing the engagement parameter between the tooth structures, the system provides versatile positioning capability while keeping the base design straightforward.
2Ease of operation
If manual actuation of the locking device is used, then the structure is simple, but the ease of operation and precision of locking control are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
An actuating device serves as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism, translating user input into precise latch movement. This mediator component enhances ease of operation by providing a user-friendly interface while maintaining compatibility with the existing toothed locking structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system offers an alternative to purely manual actuation by incorporating automated or semi-automated actuation mechanisms that can control the locking device. This substitution reduces the physical effort required from the user while adding controlled precision to the locking process.
3Strength
If a wheel with locking surfaces is used, then the holding force can be optimized, but the actuation force required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism incorporates a wheel with curved locking surfaces that engage with corresponding surfaces on the armrest. The curved geometry optimizes the distribution of holding force, allowing the mechanism to maintain strong engagement while requiring reduced actuation force compared to flat-surface locking systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes vibratory motion during the locking process to reduce friction and enable smoother engagement of the locking surfaces. By applying vibration during actuation, the required force is reduced while the holding force remains optimized through the curved surface geometry.
4Reliability
If the locking device is designed for high security, then the reliability of locking is improved, but the ease of unlocking under load is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device employs a dynamic latch mechanism that can be actuated to release the locking engagement even when load is applied to the armrest. The movable components are designed to overcome static friction and maintain reliability while allowing controlled unlocking under various loading conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuating device is positioned and designed to apply force in advance to overcome the holding force before full unlocking is required. This preliminary action allows the user to initiate the unlocking process more easily, even when the armrest is under load, while maintaining high locking security during normal 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
Enables precise control over the locking mechanism, allowing the armrest to be locked in various positions with low actuation forces and travel distances, facilitating easy adjustment and use, including the option to unlock under load, while maintaining a secure hold.
Implementation Method 1
The locking forces can be influenced by a suitable selection of the wheel diameter. When the locking surfaces are engaged in the locking position, movement of the wheel is prevented in at least one direction of rotation.
Implementation Method 2
The device comprises a transmission mechanism with a base or pivoting element and first transmission means associated with it. These first transmission means engage with second transmission means of the wheel to cause the wheel to rotate when the pivoting element is moved.
Implementation Method 3
The device includes a restoring device to manage the locking force.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~7
AI summary
The invention relates to an equipment device for a vehicle which comprises a base (11) and a pivoting part (12) which is pivotable about a pivot axis (a1) in a first pivoting direction (u1) and in a second pivoting direction (u2) between a first end position and a second end position relative to the base (11), with a locking device (14) with first locking means and second locking means for locking the pivoting movement of the armrest (12) in at least one direction, with an actuating device (42) for automatically and/or manually adjusting the locking device (14) between a locking position in which the first locking means and the second locking means are engaged and a release position in which the locking means are disengaged.The special feature is that one locking means comprises at least one wheel (17) rotatable about a pivot axis (a2) with first locking surfaces, wherein the base (11) or the armrest (12) comprises first transmission means which engage with second transmission means of the wheel in order to cause a rotation of the wheel (17) when the pivoting part (12) pivots, and the other locking means comprises at least one bolt (20) movable between the locking position and the release position with second locking surfaces (32) which are engaged with the first locking surfaces in the locking position and disengaged from the first locking surfaces in the release position.