Collapsible Armrest Insert With Tunable Tension Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle armrests can pose hazards during side impact collisions as they project into the cabin and may be forced further into the cabin area, necessitating a solution to manage their position and tension during impacts.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible vehicular armrest substrate with load-bearing strips and tunable elements that secure the strips to a support frame, allowing them to disengage and collapse when tension exceeds a predetermined limit, thereby reducing the risk of injury and facilitating airbag deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the armrest is made rigid and fixed in position, then it provides structural support and stability, but it becomes a hazard during side impact collisions by projecting into the cabin area
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest substrate transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic collapsible structure. The grid assembly can maintain its rigid support configuration during normal use but automatically collapses into a compact configuration when impact forces are detected, eliminating the collision hazard while preserving structural stability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical properties of the armrest substrate are changed by transitioning between two structural states: a rigid extended state providing structural support, and a collapsed state reducing projection into the cabin. The tunable tensioning elements allow adjustment of the transition threshold to balance structural integrity with collision safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the armrest substrate is designed to collapse during impact, then it reduces collision hazards, but it loses its load-bearing capability and structural support function
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest substrate employs a dynamic structural transformation where the grid assembly transitions from a load-bearing rigid configuration to a collapsed configuration only under impact conditions. During normal use, the grid maintains full structural strength; during collision, it automatically transforms to eliminate hazards, then can be reset for continued use
Solution Approach 2:
The impact force that would normally be harmful is converted into a beneficial triggering mechanism. When collision forces exceed the tension threshold of the tunable tensioning elements, the harmful impact automatically initiates the collapse sequence, transforming the harmful force into the activation signal for safety protection
3Reliability
If fixed tensioning elements are used to secure the load-bearing strips, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot adapt to different impact conditions or be tuned for optimal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The tensioning elements incorporate adjustable parameters through the tensioning mechanism that allows modification of the tension threshold. This enables the system to adapt to different impact conditions by tuning the threshold at which collapse is triggered, while maintaining reliable structural securing through the fixed attachment points
Solution Approach 2:
The tunable tensioning elements provide self-adjustment capability where the system can be configured for optimal performance without requiring complex external control systems. The tensioning mechanism allows the structure to self-regulate the collapse threshold based on the specific application 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
The solution effectively manages the position of armrests during collisions, reducing the risk of injury by allowing the armrests to collapse and move out of the cabin area, ensuring safe deployment of airbags and minimizing harm to occupants.
Implementation Method 1
A first tunable element secures the load-bearing strips in a support position on the support frame
Implementation Method 2
A first tension-adjusting portion sets a predetermined first tension limit of the first tunable element
Implementation Method 3
The load-bearing strips disengage from the support position when the first tunable element experiences an actual tension greater than the predetermined first tension limit
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible vehicular armrest substrate includes load-bearing strips extending across a gap defined within a support frame. A first tunable element secures the load-bearing strips in a support position on the support frame. A first tension-adjusting portion sets a predetermined first tension limit of the first tunable element. The load-bearing strips disengage from the support position when the first tunable element experiences an actual tension greater than the predetermined first tension limit.