Vehicle Console Support Assembly With Motorized Cable Tray Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle center consoles lack a versatile and efficient mechanism for transitioning between an armrest and a tray condition, limiting their functionality and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A console assembly with a support assembly operable between a folded armrest and deployed tray condition, actuated by a motor-engaged cable system with coils, allowing seamless transition and integration of a power tray system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a manual armrest structure is used in the center console, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the functionality is limited and user convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as an armrest in the first position and transforms into a tray in the second position. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling the structure to adapt to different user needs (arm support or flat surface) without requiring separate components, thereby improving versatility while maintaining a single integrated structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly transitions from a static armrest to a dynamic, movable structure that can be repositioned between two states. The motorized actuation system enables the support assembly to dynamically change its configuration and position, allowing it to function as both an armrest and a tray. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by providing adaptability without permanently increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a motorized actuation system is added to enable transformation between armrest and tray, then user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with a more streamlined actuation system consisting of a motor, cable, and pulley. This substitution simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining the ability to provide motorized transformation between armrest and tray positions, thereby improving ease of operation without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable acts as an intermediary element that transmits force from the motor to the support assembly, enabling smooth and controlled movement between positions. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the direct connection between the motor and the support assembly, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining ease of operation through controlled, assisted movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support assembly is made movable between positions, then versatility is improved, but the reliability of the structure may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guide rails are pre-installed and fixed to the console body, providing a predetermined and reliable path for the support assembly's movement. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the movable support assembly maintains stability and reliability throughout its range of motion, as the guide rails constrain and support the movement rather than allowing uncontrolled shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The support assembly is designed with a structure that replicates the stability characteristics of a fixed armrest while adding mobility. By maintaining the essential structural elements (padded surface, support framework) in both the armrest and tray configurations, the design ensures that reliability is preserved across different positions and functions.
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
Provides a convenient and adaptable console that functions as both an armrest and a tray, enhancing user experience and functionality, particularly suitable for mobile workspaces in vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is configured to engage the coils of the at least one cable to translate the support assembly between the first position and the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle console assembly includes a body that defines a storage space. The body includes an upper rim. A support assembly is operable between a first position at one end of the upper rim and a second position at a second end of the upper rim. The support assembly is operable between a folded armrest condition and a deployed tray condition. An actuation assembly is operably coupled to the support assembly. The actuation assembly includes at least one cable having coils. The at least one cable is coupled to the support assembly. A motor is configured to engage the coils of the at least one cable to translate the support assembly between the first position and the second position.