Vehicle Console Armrest Linkage for Secure Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle armrests do not provide automatic locking at selectively adjustable positions and cannot cover a storage area to secure personal items within.
Innovation Solution
A center console with a moveable armrest assembly that can be selectively moved between a fully raised and fully lowered position, featuring an articulating support structure with a geared linkage and powered drive unit that locks the armrest in place, preventing manual movement when not actuated.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest assembly is made manually moveable between raised and lowered positions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of securing items in the storage compartment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assembly automatically locks at selected positions through spring-loaded detent mechanisms that engage with notches in the support structure. The system self-secures without requiring additional locking actions from the user, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability of item security.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic multi-position system with automatic locking. The support structure provides selectable intermediate positions between fully raised and fully lowered states, allowing the armrest to adapt to different user needs while automatically securing items at each position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest assembly is made manually moveable between raised and lowered positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure incorporates spring-loaded detent mechanisms that automatically engage with notches at intermediate positions, providing multi-position adaptability without requiring complex motorized or manual locking systems. This dynamic automatic locking approach increases versatility while controlling structural complexity.
3Reliability
If the armrest assembly is automatically locked at selected positions, then the reliability of securing items is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded detent mechanisms automatically engage with notches in the support structure when the armrest is moved to intermediate positions. This self-locking feature provides reliable positioning without requiring additional locking actions from the user, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring reliable item security.
Data Source
AI summary
A center console for a vehicle includes a console defining a storage compartment and having an opening allowing access to the storage compartment, an armrest assembly moveably supported, by an articulating support structure, on the console, the articulating support structure adapted to selectively move the armrest assembly between a fully raised position, wherein the armrest assembly is supported above the console and the opening to the storage compartment is accessible and a fully lowered position, wherein the armrest assembly is positioned against the console and covers the opening to the storage compartment, wherein, the articulating support structure is adapted to maintain a horizontal orientation of the armrest assembly at the fully raised position, the fully lowered position and throughout movement between the fully raised position and the fully lowered position.