Dual-Axis Hinge Mechanism for Armrest Console
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armrest hinges in motor vehicles restrict design choices and architecture due to significant motion space requirements and potential blocking of rear vents, limiting the desired opening angle to less than 95 degrees.
Innovation Solution
A hinge mechanism comprising a fixed gear, an elevating gear, a dampener gear, and a gear connector that allows the armrest to rotate about two axes, enabling a greater than 90-degree opening angle without obstructing rear vents, with the fixed gear having a larger diameter than the dampener and elevating gears, and the gears being arranged to rotate in a counterclockwise and clockwise direction respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a gooseneck hinge is used in the armrest console, then the armrest can be opened, but significant motion space is required which restricts design choice and architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a conventional single-axis gooseneck hinge to a dual-axis hinge mechanism. The first axis allows rotation between open and closed positions, while the second axis enables elevation movement. This dimensional change permits the armrest to move both horizontally and vertically, achieving the desired opening angle without requiring excessive lateral motion space within the console architecture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest opening angle is increased to 95 degrees or greater, then design flexibility is improved, but rear vents may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
By adding the vertical elevation axis to the hinge mechanism, the armrest can achieve its desired opening angle while moving upward instead of solely rotating horizontally. This vertical component of motion allows the armrest to clear the rear vent area, enabling greater opening angles without blocking airflow to rear passengers.
3Ease of operation
If a gooseneck hinge is used, then armrest rotation is enabled, but the required motion space restricts console architecture
Solution Approach 1:
The dual-axis hinge mechanism allows the armrest to rotate about a first axis and elevate along a second axis. This combination of rotational and vertical movements achieves the required armrest rotation capability while minimizing the lateral space consumed within the console, thereby preserving architectural freedom for other console components.
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
Enables the armrest to open beyond 90 degrees without blocking rear vents, providing more design flexibility and unobstructed airflow, while maintaining the structural integrity and functionality of the armrest console.
Implementation Method 1
A hinge mechanism to connect a cover and a body. The hinge mechanism includes a gear connector, an elevating gear connected to a first portion of the gear connector and adapted to be coupled with the cover, a fixed gear adapted to be coupled with the body, and a dampener gear engaged with the elevating gear and the fixed gear
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest console includes an armrest, a fixed gear coupled to a top of a storage compartment in the armrest console, an elevating gear coupled to the armrest; a dampener gear engaged with the elevating gear and the fixed gear, and a gear connector to receive the elevating gear and the dampener gear. When the armrest is rotated about an axis of the elevating gear in a counterclockwise direction to open, the elevating gear is rotated in the counterclockwise direction and the dampener gear is rotated in a clockwise direction and both the elevating gear and the dampener gear are rotated about an axis of the fixed gear, and wherein the elevating gear and the dampener gear are moved up at a height direction when the armrest is rotated to open.