Vehicle Console Spindle Adjustment for Height-Adaptive Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle consoles lack effective mechanisms for adjusting the spacing and height of the upper assembly part relative to the vehicle floor, limiting adaptability to individual user preferences and comfort.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a spindle drive to actuate an adjusting mechanism that allows for the adjustable spacing and height of the upper assembly part, enabling adjustments along two orthogonal axes (x-axis and z-axis) via connecting members, with the option for simultaneous or independent movement, and integration with seat adjusting means for synchronized adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a console is provided with an adjusting mechanism to adjust the spacing of the upper assembly part from the vehicle floor, then the adaptability to individual user preferences is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical adjusting mechanisms with a memory foam material that automatically adapts to user preferences through viscoelastic deformation. The memory foam cushioning layer deforms under user weight and maintains the deformed state, eliminating the need for mechanical adjustment components while achieving adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the temperature-dependent and stress-dependent viscoelastic properties of memory foam material. The material's physical parameters (viscosity and elasticity) change in response to user body temperature and applied pressure, enabling automatic adaptation without mechanical intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the upper assembly part is made height-adjustable via an adjusting mechanism, then the user comfort is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical height-adjustment mechanisms by using memory foam's inherent viscoelastic properties. The foam automatically conforms to user body contours and weight distribution, providing comfort adaptation without requiring adjustable components, thereby simplifying manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The memory foam material performs the adjustment function autonomously through its material properties. When a user sits on the console, the foam automatically deforms to match the user's body shape and weight, providing a customized comfortable position without any user intervention or mechanical adjustment system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connecting members are provided to enable adjustment along two orthogonal axes, then the positioning flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical connecting members and multi-axis adjustment mechanisms with memory foam material that naturally distributes and adapts to user weight across different spatial dimensions. The viscoelastic material deforms in response to applied forces from any direction, providing positioning flexibility without mechanical linkages.
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
Enhances user comfort by allowing customizable positioning of the console components, including armrests and storage compartments, to fit individual user needs, and facilitates synchronized adjustments with vehicle seat height changes.
Implementation Method 1
the cushioning layer ( 10) is formed from a memory foam material which, in particular, is capable of deforming in a weight-dependent manner and of maintaining a deformed state
Data Source
AI summary
A console for a motor vehicle, having a base part to be arranged on a vehicle floor, a structural part arranged on the side of the base part that faces away from the vehicle floor, and an adjustment mechanism by means of which the structural part is adjustably connected to the base part such that the distance of the structural part from the vehicle floor can be adjusted. A spindle drive is provided for actuating the adjustment mechanism. A second aspect relates to a motor vehicle assembly having a seat adjustment unit by means of which a height of at least one vehicle seat relative to a vehicle floor can be adjusted. The seat adjustment unit is coupled with an adjustment mechanism of the console.