Modular Vehicle Armrest Frame with Interchangeable Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing arm supports for vehicles lack versatility in size adjustment and modular components, requiring multiple parts for different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular arm support system with a frame comprising interchangeable longitudinal and cross bars of varying lengths and widths, along with adjustable inserts, allowing for customizable size and feature combinations such as cup holders and storage compartments, using connectors and vanes for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different arm support configurations are produced using traditional methods, then various size and feature combinations can be achieved, but the number of parts that must be held available increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support structure is divided into modular components: a base body with standardized connectors, and multiple interchangeable inserts (cup holder, storage compartment, cover). These segmented modules can be independently selected and assembled to create different configurations, reducing the need to maintain multiple complete arm support variants in inventory.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body is designed with universal connectors that can accommodate multiple types of inserts. A single base body design serves multiple functions by supporting different inserts (cup holder, storage compartment, cover combinations), allowing one component to perform multiple roles across various configurations.
2Ease of manufacture
If arm supports are designed with fixed dimensions, then manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but adaptability to different applications is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The arm support system transitions from fixed dimensions to adjustable dimensions through the modular insert mechanism. The base body maintains fixed dimensions for manufacturing simplicity, while the selectable inserts provide dimensional and functional variability, allowing the same base to adapt to different application requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
By separating the fixed base body from the variable inserts, the design achieves ease of manufacture for the standardized base while providing adaptability through the interchangeable modular components. Each insert can be independently manufactured and then assembled to the base.
3Adaptability or versatility
If customizable arm supports with varying dimensions are produced using traditional methods, then different size requirements can be met, but device complexity increases due to multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized connectors on the base body provide universal attachment capability for multiple insert types. This universal interface reduces device complexity by using a single connector design across all configurations, rather than requiring different connection mechanisms for each arm support variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular architecture segments the variable elements (inserts) from the fixed elements (base body with standardized connectors). This segmentation allows size customization through insert selection while maintaining simple, consistent base body construction, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Arm support (12) for an armrest (10), comprising a frame (19) that comprises connectors for the fixed or moveable attachment to a structure, in particular to a structure of a vehicle, wherein the frame comprises longitudinal bars (23, 24) and cross bars (21, 22) that are connected to one another with connectors (25, 26, 27, 28).The particularity is that at least a first type of connector is provided that is connectable with at least one longitudinal bar (23, 24) selected from a set of longitudinal bars of different length, and/or with at least one cross bar (21, 22) selected from a set of cross bars of different length.