Armrest Motor-Spring Drive Design to Prevent Jamming and Injury
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest designs for vehicle seats face difficulties in easily transitioning between stowed and use positions, with a risk of jamming and potential injury from limb pinching, often requiring complex sensors and overload protection.
Innovation Solution
An armrest with a guide device that allows movement parallel to the pivot axis and rotational movement about the axis, utilizing a motor-driven linear drive and spring mechanism for smooth transition, along with a damping system to prevent jamming and injury, and a space-saving telescopic guide structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest uses a motor-driven linear drive with spring mechanism for movement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is configured to automatically tension during the armrest's movement from stowed to use position, providing self-powered assistance that reduces motor load and simplifies control requirements. The spring tensions as the armrest pivots and translates, creating a self-regulating system that aids movement without requiring complex active control.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-configured to provide cushioning force during the armrest movement, absorbing shocks and preventing jamming before they occur. The spring tensions in advance during the movement sequence, providing protective cushioning that prevents harmful effects from occurring in the first place.
2Reliability
If the armrest includes damping device and spring mechanism, then the reliability is improved by preventing jamming, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism converts the potential harmful effect of sudden movements and impacts into beneficial cushioning force. The spring tensions during normal operation to store energy, then releases this energy to cushion against jamming and prevent limb pinching, transforming what could be harmful mechanical shocks into protective cushioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping device and spring mechanism are configured to provide protective cushioning before harmful effects can occur. The spring tensions in advance during the armrest's movement sequence, and the damping device is positioned to absorb shocks before they can cause jamming or injury, preventing problems rather than reacting to them.
3Volume of moving object
If the armrest uses telescopic guide structure, then the volume in non-use position is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure employs a telescopic configuration where the armrest assembly nests within the base structure when in the non-use position. The armrest translates axially to extend or retract from the base, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes the volume occupied when the armrest is stowed, similar to a nested doll configuration.
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
Facilitates easy and safe movement between stowed and use positions, reducing the risk of jamming and injury without the need for complex sensors, while maintaining a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a motor-driven linear drive and spring mechanism for smooth transition
Implementation Method 2
along with a damping system to prevent jamming and injury
Data Source
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AI summary
Armrest (10) with a base (19) and an armrest (13) movable between at least one use position and a non-use position by means of a guide device (17), wherein the armrest (13) is movable parallel to a pivot axis (a) between a proximal and a distal position by means of the guide device (17) and pivotable about the pivot axis (a) between a primary position and a secondary position, wherein the armrest (10) has a drive device (30) comprising a motor drive with a drive part (29) which is movable between a first and a second position in order to move the armrest (13) at least partially in a first direction (y1) between the non-use position and the use position, wherein the drive device (30) comprises at least one spring (21) which can be tensioned when the drive part (29) or an additional drive part of the drive device (30) is moved.wherein the armrest (13) can be moved axially in a second direction (y2) by means of the spring (21), which is directed opposite to the first direction (y1).