Armrest Memory Mechanism for Position Retention After Stowing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive seat armrests lack an automatic full memory feature to retain the previously adjusted use position when returned to the stowed position, leading to user discomfort due to the need for manual re-adjustment.
Innovation Solution
An armrest assembly with a pivotally coupled support frame, cam, and memory mechanism that includes an elongated memory bar, guide member, and wedge plate, allowing selective adjustment and locking of the armrest's position, utilizing tension coil springs and a Bowden cable for actuation between locked and unlocked conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest is made adjustable to different angular positions for occupant comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for memory mechanisms to retain position information
Solution Approach 1:
The memory mechanism automatically detects and retains the armrest's adjusted position without requiring user intervention. The cam follower engages with the cam lobe to self-record the position, and the system self-actuates upon stowing the armrest, eliminating the need for manual memory input or complex electronic sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic memory systems with a purely mechanical solution using a cam, cam follower, and wedge plate assembly. This mechanical substitution simplifies the overall system by eliminating electronics, sensors, and power requirements while achieving the same memory function through mechanical engagement and geometric constraints.
2Productivity
If the armrest returns to stowed position automatically, then productivity is improved by eliminating manual re-adjustment, but reliability decreases without a memory mechanism to retain position information
Solution Approach 1:
The cam follower continuously tracks the armrest's angular position by engaging with the cam lobe, providing real-time mechanical feedback about the armrest's orientation. This feedback mechanism ensures accurate position detection and retention, allowing the system to reliably return the armrest to its previously stored position without manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest assembly includes a memory mechanism to retain position information, then adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components like memory bar, guide member, and wedge plate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into integrated components: the cam serves both as a position-detecting element and a storage element, while the wedge plate simultaneously acts as a locking mechanism and a position-transfer element. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components needed compared to traditional electronic memory systems with discrete sensors, memory units, and actuators.
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 assembly effectively retains the previously adjusted use position when pivoted to the stowed position, enhancing user comfort by eliminating the need for manual re-adjustment and ensuring consistent support.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge plate slidably and pivotally coupled to the memory bar for movement between a slide position generally aligned with the guide member to allow sliding movement of the wedge plate and guide member along the memory bar and a wedge position generally inclined relative to the guide member for lockingly wedging the memory bar between the wedge plate and the guide member
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest is pivotally coupled to a seat back for movement between a stowed position and a use position. The armrest comprises a support frame and a cam. A memory mechanism is coupled to the support frame for actuation between an unlocked condition providing selective adjustment of the armrest in the use position and a locked condition for retaining memory of the use position upon pivotal movement of the armrest between the stowed position and use position. The memory mechanism includes an elongated memory bar fixedly secured to the support frame, a guide member slidably coupled to the memory bar, and a wedge plate slidably and pivotally coupled to the memory bar for movement between a slide position to allow sliding movement of the wedge plate along the memory bar and a wedge position for lockingly wedging the memory bar between the wedge plate and the guide member.