Vehicle Center Console Armrest Two-Stage Rotation Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing center console armrests face interference with external walls when opened, limiting access to storage space and restricting the radius of rotation, which hampers the utilization of console space.
Innovation Solution
A center console armrest design featuring a lead portion that rotates about a main hinge, an armrest hinge allowing free rotation, a lower end protrusion that moves along a guide rail for insertion into the console, and an elastic member for rotational force, minimizing interference and protrusion, and allowing the armrest to be fixed internally when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the fixing hinge position is disposed below the storage space to facilitate access, then ease of operation is improved, but the armrest interferes with the external wall of the console during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with a two-stage rotation mechanism: first rotating about a main hinge in the vertical direction, then rotating about a secondary hinge in the horizontal direction to insert into the console interior. This dimensional transition allows the armrest to clear the external wall during opening while still providing easy access to storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest rotation function is divided into two independent hinge mechanisms: a main hinge for vertical rotation and a secondary hinge for horizontal rotation. This segmentation allows each hinge to handle a specific portion of the motion, enabling the armrest to navigate around the external wall obstruction while maintaining operational ease.
2Volume of stationary object
If the fixing hinge position is disposed above the storage space to maintain upper space, then volume of stationary object is improved, but height of armrest becomes excessively high making access difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest transitions from vertical rotation about the main hinge to horizontal insertion via the secondary hinge, allowing the storage space to be positioned lower for easier access while the armrest still opens without interfering with the external wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-hinge mechanism separates the rotation functions, allowing the main hinge to provide the necessary vertical clearance during opening while the secondary hinge enables the armrest to be positioned lower for easier access to the storage space.
3Ease of operation
If the radius of rotation is reduced to minimize protrusion, then ease of operation is improved, but the armrest interferes with the external wall during rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest changes its rotation plane from purely vertical to a combination of vertical and horizontal movements. By rotating about the main hinge then inserting horizontally via the secondary hinge, the armrest minimizes its protrusion radius while avoiding interference with the external wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation path is segmented into two phases: vertical rotation about the main hinge followed by horizontal insertion about the secondary hinge. This segmentation allows the armrest to minimize protrusion while navigating around the external wall obstruction.
Data Source
AI summary
A center console armrest is provided for preventing an armrest from being interfered with an external wall of a center console when the armrest is opened by forming a proximal end portion of the armrest that can be further rotated and inserted into the internal to the console when the armrest is opened, may include an armrest configured to be opened on an upper portion of the center console; a lead portion rotatable about a main hinge disposed inside the center console to cause the armrest to be opened; an armrest hinge configured to connect the lead portion and the armrest; a lower end portion protrusion disposed inside a proximal end portion of the armrest to be inserted into the center console; and a guide rail for guiding movement of the lower end portion protrusion.