Hydraulic Armrest Height Adjustment to Prevent Unintentional Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional armrests face issues such as unintentional movement during height adjustment, play and looseness in sliding mechanisms, limited precision, and lack of height measurement, often resulting in discomfort and inconsistent armrest heights between left and right sides.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a hydraulic means with an activator to adjust the height of a resting plate, utilizing a hydraulic mechanism to move along an axis, and includes a variable resistor and display for precise height measurement, ensuring stable and adjustable support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotation mechanism is used to adjust armrest height, then step-free height adjustment is achieved, but the armrest moves forward or backward unintentionally
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent height adjustment and position stabilization functions. The hydraulic means handles height adjustment while the activator with latch mechanism handles position stabilization, separating the two functions to eliminate unwanted movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The activator acts as an intermediary component that controls the hydraulic means. By engaging or disengaging the latch mechanism, the activator mediates between user input and hydraulic movement, enabling precise control without unintended position changes.
2Ease of operation
If a sliding metal tube rail with holes is used, then height adjustment is possible, but play and looseness occurs in the gap at the latch attachment point
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding rail with a hydraulic means that uses fluid pressure to support and position the resting plate. This eliminates the play and looseness inherent in mechanical sliding connections while maintaining height adjustability through controlled hydraulic movement.
3Ease of operation
If conventional adjustment mechanisms are used, then height adjustment is possible, but measurement indication of current height is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a display that provides visual feedback on the current height of the resting plate. This feedback mechanism allows users to see the exact height position, enabling precise adjustment and eliminating uncertainty about the current state.
4Ease of manufacture
If part size differences exist between left and right armrests, then manufacturing is simplified, but dissimilar armrest heights occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses adjustable hydraulic means that can be calibrated to achieve precise height settings. This allows standardization of components while maintaining the ability to adjust each armrest to the exact same height, resolving the conflict between manufacturing simplicity and height consistency.
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
Provides stable, precise, and digitally measurable height adjustment, preventing unintentional movement and ensuring consistent armrest heights, enhancing user comfort and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a hydraulic means configured to support the resting plate, and configured to move along an axis to adjust the height of the resting plate
Implementation Method 2
the variable resistor is configured to detect a resistance depending on the changed position of the slider on the track, and measure the height of the resting plate based on the detection
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments relate to an apparatus for adjusting a height of a resting plate comprising: a hydraulic means configured to support the resting plate, and configured to move along an axis to adjust the height of the resting plate; and an activator connected to the hydraulic means, and configured to activate and control the hydraulic means to move along the axis to adjust the height of the resting plate, or deactivate the hydraulic means to stop at the adjusted height, based on first external force on the activator.