Foldable Insert Groove Engagement for Vehicle Armrests

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle components, such as armrests, lack a foldable insert solution that allows for efficient configuration changes and secure engagement without the need for additional fastening, compromising ease of assembly and durability.

Innovation Solution

A foldable insert comprising a first body portion, a second body portion, and a bridge with planar engagement surfaces and grooves, allowing the insert to be folded and configured for engagement without additional fastening, utilizing a foam bridge with an arcuate lower surface for structural support and flexibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional rigid insert structure is used, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability and ease of configuration change deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration change capabilityVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The insert is divided into multiple body portions (first body portion, second body portion, third body portion) connected by bridges, allowing independent movement and configuration changes of each segment while maintaining overall structural integrity through the bridge connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure that can change configurations, enabling the insert to adapt between different states (folded and unfolded) to provide both strength when needed and adaptability when reconfiguration is required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If additional fastening mechanisms are added, then engagement security is improved, but device complexity and ease of assembly worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement securityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The grooves in the body portions automatically engage with corresponding features during the folding motion, creating self-locking engagement that secures the insert in its configured position without requiring additional fasteners, clips, or fastening mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The bridges serve as intermediary elements that facilitate the engagement between body portions through the groove mechanisms, enabling secure connection while maintaining the simplicity of the overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the insert is made foldable with multiple body portions, then adaptability and ease of assembly are improved, but structural integrity may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The insert utilizes foam material with varying densities or composite construction in the bridges and body portions, providing both the flexibility needed for folding and the structural strength required to maintain integrity during configuration changes and when in use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The bridges are pre-designed with specific geometric features and the grooves are pre-positioned to ensure that when folding occurs, the engagement features align perfectly, maintaining structural integrity throughout the motion without requiring additional reinforcement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10933788B2Foldable insert

Publication Date: 2021.03.02 LEAR CORP

AI summary

A foldable insert for a vehicle component includes a first body portion, a second body portion, and a bridge extending from the first body portion to the second body portion. The first body portion includes a first groove disposed adjacent the bridge, and the second body portion includes a second groove disposed adjacent the bridge opposite the first groove.