Vertically Deployable Armrest With Rotating Bottom Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle armrests lack a practical and space-efficient mechanism for deploying additional accessory functions like cupholders, which are often inaccessible or not optimally integrated into the seating design.
Innovation Solution
A vertically deployable armrest with a top member and a bottom member that rotates downward and forward via a closed-chain linkage, allowing for a parallel configuration and enabling access to a cupholder only in the deployed position, utilizing a pivot and actuator for smooth operation between stowed and deployed states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If accessories are built into the surface of the armrest, then accessibility is improved, but space efficiency and integration are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is divided into a top member and a bottom member that can be deployed independently. The bottom member with accessories (cupholders, containers) can be rotated downward from the stowed position to the deployed position, allowing accessories to be accessible only when needed, thus improving space efficiency while maintaining accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom member is made dynamically deployable through rotational coupling, transitioning between stowed and deployed positions. This dynamic configuration allows the armrest to adapt its structure based on usage requirements, optimizing both space efficiency and accessibility.
2Volume of moving object
If accessories are deployed through doors or panels, then space efficiency is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using doors or panels to access accessories, the invention segments the armrest into deployable members. The bottom member itself becomes the access mechanism, rotating downward to expose accessories directly, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining space efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary that enables smooth transition between stowed and deployed positions. This mechanism facilitates easy deployment of the bottom member with accessories, improving accessibility without compromising space efficiency.
3Ease of operation
If the bottom member rotates downward and forward, then accessibility of accessories is improved, but structural complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The rotational and forward motion of the bottom member are combined into a single rotational coupling mechanism. This merging of movements simplifies the overall structure compared to separate mechanisms for each motion, reducing structural complexity while maintaining improved accessibility.
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 space-efficient and user-friendly integration of accessory functions like cupholders, maintaining a parallel configuration between top and bottom members for optimal accessibility and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A bottom member is rotationally coupled to a bottom portion of the top member. The bottom member is operable between a stowed position where a top surface of the bottom member engages a bottom surface of the top member, and a deployed position where the bottom member rotates downward and shifts forward
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a pivot and actuator for smooth operation between stowed and deployed states
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle armrest includes a top member having a cushion and defining an upper surface. A bottom member is rotationally coupled to a bottom portion of the top member. The bottom member is operable between a stowed position where a top surface of the bottom member engages a bottom surface of the top member, and a deployed position where the bottom member rotates downward and shifts forward to define a lower accessory surface.