Deployable Armrest Cup Holder for Rotatable Seat Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In autonomous vehicles, rotatable seats pose a challenge in conveniently positioning cup holders within a comfortable, reachable distance for passengers, as fixed cup holders on door trim or other locations are not always conveniently located or accessible.
Innovation Solution
An armrest with a deployable cup holder is designed, featuring a translating base and an erectable well wall with a pivotally attached second section that forms a cup well, supported by a guide tab and slot mechanism, allowing the cup holder to be stored within the armrest and easily deployed when needed, with a toggling latch and spring for secure positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cup holders are fixed on door trim or other locations, then they are stable and easy to manufacture, but they are not always conveniently located or readily accessible when seats rotate
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is designed with a translating base that can move between a stowed position within the armrest and a deployed position extending outward. This dynamic positioning allows the cup holder to adapt to different seat configurations and provide convenient access to passengers regardless of seat rotation, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder assembly is nested within the armrest structure when not in use. The translating base retracts into the armrest body, and the well wall folds flat against the base, creating a compact nested configuration that maintains armrest aesthetics and functionality while providing easy deployment when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the cup holder is deployed to be within reachable distance, then passenger accessibility is improved, but the armrest structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder is divided into two main segments: a translating base that moves linearly and a well wall that pivots independently. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple motion, reducing the overall complexity compared to a single complex moving assembly while achieving the desired reachability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses simple dynamic elements - a linear translating base and a pivoting well wall - rather than complex multi-axis actuators. These dynamic components enable the cup holder to extend outward for accessibility and retract for storage using straightforward mechanical motions that are easy to implement and maintain.
3Shape
If the cup holder is stored within the armrest, then the armrest maintains a compact appearance, but the cup holder is not easily accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The cup holder assembly nests within the armrest body when stowed. The translating base retracts into the armrest cavity, and the well wall folds flat against the base, creating a compact nested configuration that preserves the armrest's streamlined appearance while maintaining the capability for quick deployment when passengers need cup holder access.
Solution Approach 2:
The cup holder transitions dynamically between a compact nested state for aesthetic purposes and a deployed state for functionality. The translating base and pivoting well wall enable smooth transitions between these states, allowing the armrest to maintain its compact appearance during normal use while providing easy access to the cup holder when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest is provided for a seat. That armrest includes a body and a deployable cup holder carried on the body. The deployable cup holder includes a translating base and an erectable well wall carried on the translating base. A seat assembly including an armrest is also disclosed.