Heated Movable Armrest Panel for Faster Vehicle Cabin Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior heating systems take a long time to warm up the interior and lack efficient adjustment mechanisms for directing heat flow, leading to suboptimal thermal comfort for occupants.
Innovation Solution
An assembly for a vehicle interior featuring an armrest with a movable panel that includes a side panel portion with a heating element, allowing occupants to adjust the heat distribution by moving the panel vertically, thus directing heat to desired locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional diffusion mechanisms (nozzles or aerators) are used to heat the vehicle interior, then heat can be distributed throughout the interior, but the heating time is relatively long and the adjustment of heat flow direction is complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is segmented into multiple independent heating elements distributed at different locations (armrests, door panels, center console) rather than using a single centralized diffusion system. Each heating element can be independently controlled and positioned to target specific zones, reducing overall heating time while simplifying directional control through localized placement rather than complex adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating elements are integrated into the three-dimensional structure of the vehicle interior (armrests, door panels, center console) rather than being confined to a single plane or centralized location. This spatial distribution across multiple dimensions enables direct heating of occupants and surrounding areas, significantly reducing heating time while eliminating the need for complex directional adjustment mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If the heating element is integrated into the movable panel of the armrest, then the heating element can be easily adjusted to diffuse heat to the desired location, but the armrest structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is merged with the movable panel of the armrest, combining two functions (armrest support and heat diffusion) into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for the heating element, as the panel's existing movability provides the adjustment capability, thereby simplifying the overall structure while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable panel of the armrest serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the armrest, enables height adjustment for ergonomic comfort, and houses the heating element for thermal comfort. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and mechanisms, simplifying the structure while enhancing operational versatility.
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 solution reduces heating time by providing an additional heat source integrated into the armrest, enhances thermal comfort by allowing precise heat direction, and is suitable for both thermal and electric vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
the side panel portion comprising a heating element configured, when activated, to diffuse heat
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for a vehicle interior includes at least one armrest each presenting a receiving surface for the elbow and/or forearm of an occupant of the vehicle interior and a support for the armrest. Each armrest has a panel movable in translation relative to the support according to an elevation direction between a first position and a second position. For each armrest, the movable panel of that armrest includes an upper panel portion at least partially delimiting the receiving surface of that armrest extending in a first plane, and a side panel portion separate from the upper panel portion extending in a second plane, different from the first plane, the side panel portion having a heating element configured, when activated, to diffuse heat.