Automobile Console Arm Rest Forward Slide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing console apparatus for automobiles has difficulty in moving arm rests back to the front position from the rear, especially for passengers with short stature, as it requires a complex action involving simultaneous operation of the unlocking mechanism and sliding motion, making it uncomfortable and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A console apparatus with a slide component that includes a locking mechanism, an unlocking mechanism, and a force applying mechanism, allowing the arm rest to be easily moved forward from the rear position by unlocking and applying a forward force, eliminating the need for simultaneous operation and improving usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the arm rest slides to the rear side, then the accessibility for rear passengers is improved, but the operation complexity increases for returning it to the front side
Solution Approach 1:
The force applying mechanism pre-stores elastic energy in the elastic member during rearward sliding, so that when the locking unit releases, the arm rest automatically receives the pre-stored forward force and returns to the front position without requiring complex simultaneous operations by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the user's own rearward sliding action to automatically charge the elastic member, which then provides the forward force needed to return the arm rest. The mechanism serves itself by converting the user's operational energy into stored elastic energy that automatically performs the return motion
2Stability of the object's composition
If the locking mechanism locks the arm rest at rear position, then the stability at rear position is improved, but the ease of moving forward deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member acts as an intermediary that stores energy during locking and releases it during unlocking. When the locking unit engages at the rear position, the elastic member is compressed and stores energy. When unlocked, this stored energy automatically propels the arm rest forward, eliminating the need for complex manual operations
3Reliability
If simultaneous operation of unlocking and sliding is required, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The force applying mechanism is pre-loaded during the locking phase, so that upon unlocking, the pre-stored energy automatically provides the forward sliding force. This eliminates the need for the user to simultaneously perform unlocking and sliding operations, maintaining reliability while greatly simplifying operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically generates the forward sliding force through the elastic member's stored energy, making the system self-servicing. The user only needs to trigger the unlocking, and the system itself performs the sliding action using the energy previously stored during the locking phase
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
Enables easy forward movement of the arm rest from the rear position, enhancing operability and usability by simplifying the operation and reducing uncomfortable postures, especially for passengers with short stature.
Implementation Method 1
a force applying mechanism (47) having an elastic member (472), and applying a forward force to the arm rest (15) when the arm rest (15) is located at the moving rear end position (P2)
Data Source
AI summary
A console apparatus for an automobile includes: a console main body (11), disposed between a left seat and a right seat of the automobile; arm rests (15a, 15b), supported at the console main body (11) in a manner of being capable of sliding in the front-rear direction of the automobile; a locking unit, locking the forward slide of the arm rests (15a, 15b) when the arm rests (15a, 15b) are located at a moving rear end position (P2); an unlocking unit, unlocking the arm rests (15a, 15b) locked by the locking unit at the moving rear end position (P2) according to an unlocking operation; and a force applying unit, applying a forward force to the arm rests (15a, 15b) when the arm rests (15a, 15b) are located at the moving rear end position (P2).