Pivoting Armrest Free-Wheel Locking With V-Shaped Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior equipment parts, such as armrests, struggle to maintain reliable locking of the arm support in the clamping position, leading to potential movement issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle equipment part with a pivotable arm support that incorporates a free-wheel mechanism using clamping members with V-shaped structures, which increase surface normal force and frictional force, enabling improved locking and self-locking capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clamping members are used in the clamping gap, then the arm support can be locked in one pivot direction, but the locking reliability is insufficient and the arm support may move unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the clamping member by introducing a V-shaped structure with specific wedge angles. This parameter change increases the normal force and frictional force in the clamping gap, thereby improving locking reliability and preventing unintentional movement while maintaining ease of operation when released
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by creating V-shaped structures only at the critical contact surfaces of the clamping member where locking occurs. This localized structural modification enhances friction and normal force precisely where needed for locking reliability, without affecting other parts of the mechanism that require ease of operation
2Reliability
If materials with high friction properties are used for the clamping member and pivot part, then reliable locking can be achieved, but the cost of materials and production increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters (V-shaped structure with wedge angles between 20°-45°) to increase the normal force and frictional force mechanically. This allows the use of standard, cost-effective materials while achieving reliable locking through optimized geometry rather than expensive high-friction materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses curved V-shaped surfaces instead of flat contact surfaces. The curved geometry increases the contact area and distributes the clamping force more effectively, enhancing friction and locking reliability while using conventional materials that are easy and cost-effective to manufacture
3Reliability
If the wedge angle of the V-shaped surfaces is increased, then the frictional force and locking reliability are improved, but the clamping force required to achieve locking increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the wedge angle parameter within the range of 20°-45° to achieve the best balance between frictional force and required clamping force. This parameter optimization ensures sufficient locking reliability while minimizing the clamping force needed, preventing excessive stress on the mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the V-shaped structures to dynamically adapt during the locking process. As the clamping member engages with the pivot part, the V-shaped surfaces self-adjust to distribute the clamping force optimally, reducing peak forces while maintaining high friction and reliable locking
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 solution achieves enhanced locking reliability and self-locking functionality, reducing the demands on material friction properties and allowing for cost-effective production and assembly.
Implementation Method 1
the surface normal force of the surfaces that are V-shaped in radial section is increased and the frictional force is increased
Implementation Method 2
Each clamping member has at least one clamping formation and is arranged in the wedge-shaped clamping gap radially between a first counter-surface, which is provided with at least one wedge structure
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle equipment part having a base fixed to the bodywork and pivot part pivotable relative to the base about an axis, which pivot part can be locked in one pivot direction by a free-wheel device having a clamping member. The clamping member is arranged in a wedge-shaped clamping gap radially between a first counter-surface formed by a wedge structure fixed to the base and a circular cylindrical second counter-surface associated with the pivot part and is movable between a blocking position and a release position. The clamping member has a first contact surface, which faces the first counter-surface, and a second contact surface, which faces the second counter-surface. The second counter-surface is formed with a structure which is V-shaped in radial section and extends at least partly in the circumferential direction coaxially with the pivot axis and which is in the form of a recess or a projection, and the second contact surface is formed by a complementary structure.