Armrest Structure with One-Handed Button Release for Swing Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing armrest structures for work machines require two-handed operation to adjust the lateral position, which deteriorates operability and often necessitates multiple adjustments to achieve a comfortable position.
Innovation Solution
An armrest structure with a button member at the front end that can be pushed to disengage a pin from an engagement groove, allowing the armrest to swing, enabling one-handed adjustment by overcoming the urging force of a spring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a positioning pin and reception groove mechanism is used to fix the armrest position, then the armrest can be stably positioned, but two-handed operation is required for adjustment which deteriorates operability
Solution Approach 1:
The button member is configured to be pushed by the operator's body weight or arm weight when adjusting the armrest position. The operator simply needs to shift their arm onto the armrest, and the button is automatically pushed in by the arm's weight, releasing the pin from the engagement groove. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual button pressing with the other hand, improving operability while maintaining positioning stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The button member acts as an intermediary between the operator's arm weight and the pin engagement mechanism. When the armrest is adjusted, the button member translates the operator's natural arm movement into the force needed to disengage the pin, facilitating one-handed operation while preserving the reliable positioning function.
2Measurement precision
If both hands are required to adjust the armrest, then precise positioning can be achieved, but multiple adjustments are needed which increases adjustment time
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism allows the operator to perform both positioning and locking actions simultaneously by simply placing their arm on the armrest. The arm's weight automatically pushes the button to lock the position, eliminating the need for separate manual locking actions. This reduces adjustment time while maintaining positioning precision through the engagement groove system.
3Ease of operation
If the button member is pushed in to disengage the pin, then one-handed adjustment is enabled, but the button must overcome spring urging force
Solution Approach 1:
The spring provides an urging force that automatically pushes the button member outward to engage the pin with the engagement groove. This counterweight mechanism means the operator only needs to overcome the spring force temporarily to disengage the pin, after which the spring automatically returns the button to its engaged position. This balances the one-handed operation requirement with manageable force requirements.
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
This design allows for easy one-handed adjustment of the armrest's position, improving operability and reducing the need for multiple adjustments by allowing the armrest to swing freely when the button member is pushed.
Implementation Method 1
an urging member configured to urge the button member in a direction in which the button member protrudes from the front end of the armrest portion
Implementation Method 2
The armrest portion includes a button member disposed to be push-operable, at a front end of the armrest portion, and an urging member configured to urge the button member
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest structure easily adjustable in position with one hand includes an armrest portion attached to a fixed frame to be swingable horizontally, and the armrest portion includes a button member disposed to be push-operable, at a front end of the armrest portion, and an urging member configured to urge the button member. The fixed frame and the button member regulate swing of the armrest portion by causing a pin provided on one of the fixed frame and the button member to engage with an engagement groove provided on the other of the fixed frame and the button member. The urging member urges the button member in a direction in which the pin and the engagement groove engage with each other. When the button member is pushed in against urging force of the urging member, the pin disengages from the engagement groove to enable the armrest portion to swing.