Folding Armrest Assembly with Spring-Biased Catch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle armrests occupy space and limit occupant mobility, and existing solutions do not effectively address the need for a space-saving design that also provides safety during collisions.
Innovation Solution
A folding armrest assembly with a spring-biased mechanism and catch mechanism that moves between interference and non-interference positions, actuated by a lever, allowing the armrest to deploy and stow, and automatically moving to a stowed position during collisions to minimize contact force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed armrest is installed in the vehicle door, then occupant comfort and load-bearing functionality are improved, but space utilization and occupant range of motion are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed to be movable between a deployed position (protruding from the door) and a stowed position (retracted into the door). This dynamic configuration allows the armrest to provide comfort and load-bearing functionality when needed, while minimizing space occupation when not in use, thus resolving the contradiction between comfort and space utilization
2Volume of moving object
If a movable armrest is installed to save space, then space utilization and occupant range of motion are improved, but stability and support functionality are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The catching mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component that selectively engages with the armrest. When the armrest is in the deployed position, the catching mechanism engages to provide stability and support. When the armrest needs to be moved or stowed, the catching mechanism disengages. This separation of functions allows the armrest to maintain stability when deployed while remaining movable for space-saving purposes
3Stability of the object's composition
If a catching mechanism is added to stabilize the deployed armrest, then armrest stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catching mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the armrest's position. When the armrest is moved to the deployed position, the catching mechanism self-activates to engage and stabilize it. When the armrest is moved back, the catching mechanism automatically disengages. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional control mechanisms, buttons, or motors, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while still providing the necessary stability
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
The solution provides a space-efficient armrest that can be easily deployed and stowed, enhancing occupant mobility while ensuring safety by reducing the risk of injury during collisions by retracting the armrest.
Implementation Method 1
A folding armrest assembly having a vehicle door movable within a door frame and having an armrest that is operable between a deployed position and a stowed position. A catch mechanism is movable between an interference position, wherein the catch mechanism supports the armrest in the deployed position against a spring force
Implementation Method 2
An actuator includes a lever that protrudes from the vehicle door. The lever is in abutting contact against the door frame and moves the catch mechanism from the interference position to the non-interference position
Implementation Method 3
A base moves the catch mechanism under the force of inertia to the non-interference position during a collision event
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle folding armrest assembly having a vehicle door movable within a door frame and having an armrest that is operable between a deployed position and a stowed position. A catch mechanism is movable between an interference position, wherein the catch mechanism supports the armrest in the deployed position against a spring force, and a non-interference position, wherein the catch mechanism is disengaged from the armrest, and the armrest is in the stowed position. An actuator includes a lever that protrudes from the vehicle door. The lever is in abutting contact against the door frame and moves the catch mechanism from the interference position to the non-interference position.