Modular Vehicle Armrest With Detent-Mounted Extension Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest elements in vehicles lack modular design options for integrating various storage and control/display devices, leading to limited adaptability and increased manufacturing effort, and there is a need for easy retrofitting of such devices.
Innovation Solution
An armrest element with a base body featuring a first connection interface that allows for detachable and mechanically secure attachment of exchangeable extension modules through a detent connection, enabling multiple configurations and easy replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with exchangeable extension modules is implemented, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest element is divided into a base body and exchangeable extension modules. Each module can be independently designed, manufactured, and attached to the base body through connection interfaces. This segmentation allows different extension modules (storage devices, control devices, display devices) to be combined with the base body, providing high adaptability while keeping each individual component relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is designed with standardized connection interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of extension modules. This universal interface design allows a single base body to support various functions through different modules, achieving multi-functionality without increasing the complexity of the base body itself.
2Ease of operation
If a detent connection is used for attaching extension modules, then ease of operation and ease of repair are improved, but mechanical strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into detent elements and detent openings that work together to provide both easy attachment and secure connection. The detent elements can be easily inserted and engaged, while the detent openings provide mechanical interlocking, thus achieving both ease of operation and sufficient strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent elements and detent openings act as intermediary mechanical features that facilitate easy attachment while maintaining connection strength. These intermediary elements enable simple snap-in or click-in attachment operations while providing reliable mechanical coupling between the base body and extension modules.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different designs are created to meet customer wishes, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing effort and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating completely different designs for each customization requirement, the system segments the armrest into a standardized base body and various exchangeable extension modules. This allows manufacturers to produce a limited number of standardized base bodies and a range of modular extensions, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining high customization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal base body design with standardized connection interfaces can serve multiple customer requirements by accommodating different types of extension modules. This universal design approach reduces the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured, lowering production effort while maintaining adaptability to various customer wishes.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an armrest element of a seat, in particular of a vehicle seat, having a base body, the armrest element having at least one first connection interface of predetermined design to which at least one exchangeable extension module having a second connection interface of predetermined design can be fixed, the first connection interface and the second connection interface being designed in such a way that at least one detent connection is made possible between the first connection interface and the second connection interface.