Folding Armrest for Sliding Door via Recessed Pivot
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armrests for sliding vehicle doors face packaging challenges due to limited clearance, leading to increased complexity and cost, and are not aesthetically pleasing or easily reconfigurable.
Innovation Solution
A folding interior armrest with a recessed cavity in the door, featuring a manual pivoting mechanism, a securing element, and a biasing element that automatically retracts the armrest to a vertical position when the door opens, allowing for manual adjustment and reduced complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If clearances between inner door trim and outer body are increased to accommodate an operative armrest, then the armrest can be affixed to the vehicle door assembly, but the vehicle requires larger, heavier tracking components which add weight and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed to pivot between a horizontal use position and a vertical stowed position, dynamically adapting its configuration based on door state. This allows the armrest to occupy minimal space during door operation while providing full functionality when the door is closed, eliminating the need for increased clearances and heavier tracking components
2Ease of operation
If a conventional folding armrest with pneumatic drive mechanisms or electric motors is used to minimize clearances, then the armrest can pivot automatically between positions, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest utilizes the door's own movement to trigger armrest pivoting through a simple linkage mechanism. When the door opens or closes, it automatically actuates the armrest to pivot between positions without requiring separate pneumatic or electric drive systems, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining automatic operation
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest pivots within a recessed cavity in the door panel, nesting the armrest mechanism within the existing door structure. This eliminates the need for external bulky mechanisms and integrates the folding function into the door's existing spatial envelope
3Ease of operation
If a conventional folding armrest design is used, then the armrest can pivot automatically, but the design is bulky and not aesthetically pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is recessed into a cavity formed in the door panel, allowing it to pivot within the door's existing profile. When stowed, the armrest is concealed within the cavity, maintaining a clean, flush appearance. When deployed, it provides full armrest functionality without protruding beyond the door surface, achieving both automatic operation and aesthetic appeal
4Ease of operation
If a conventional folding armrest is used, then the armrest can pivot automatically, but it is difficult to reconfigure for use on a sliding door
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest design features a universal mounting system with adjustable linkage connections that can accommodate different door types including sliding doors. The recessed cavity and pivot mechanism are configured to work with various door geometries, allowing the same armrest design to be adapted to different vehicle applications without requiring complete redesign
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
This design provides a lower-cost, aesthetically improved solution that maintains clearance and offers additional cargo and occupant space while reducing stress on sliding door mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The armrest includes a biasing element which is biased to automatically return the armrest to the upright or closed position
Data Source
AI summary
An interior armrest for a sliding door assembly of a motor vehicle having a hollow housing that is pivotally movable about a pivot axis between a horizontal position for use as an armrest and a vertical position for storage is disclosed. The housing includes an actuator for automatically moving the armrest to the vertical position from the horizontal position as the sliding door moves between the closed and the open position. The armrest is disposed within a recess of the sliding door assembly when in the vertical position.