Motorized Vehicle Console Assembly for Armrest-to-Tray Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle console assemblies lack a versatile and efficient mechanism for transitioning between an armrest and a tray condition, often requiring manual adjustment and lacking integration with motorized actuation for enhanced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle console assembly featuring a support assembly operable between a folded armrest and deployed tray condition, actuated by a motor-engaged cable system with coils, allowing seamless transition and powered operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment mechanism is used for transitioning between armrest and tray condition, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and productivity deteriorate due to requiring manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly automatically transitions between armrest and tray conditions without requiring manual user intervention. The motorized actuation system detects user presence or input and autonomously performs the configuration change, allowing the system to serve itself rather than requiring continuous manual adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated motorized system. The motor-driven mechanism substitutes for hand-operated mechanical linkages, using electrical actuation to move the support assembly between positions, thereby improving ease of operation while managing complexity through integrated control.
2Productivity
If motorized actuation system is added for enhanced functionality, then productivity and ease of operation improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized actuation system serves multiple functions: it transitions the support assembly between armrest and tray conditions, adjusts positioning along the upper rim, and can respond to various user inputs. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering significant productivity improvements and versatile operation modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static manual adjustment mechanism to a dynamic motorized system that can automatically adapt to user needs. The motorized actuation enables real-time reconfiguration of the console assembly, improving productivity by allowing quick transitions between different usage scenarios without manual intervention.
3Adaptability or versatility
If support assembly is made operable between multiple positions and conditions, then adaptability improves, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into separable components: the motorized actuation mechanism, the movable support structure, and the fixed console body. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and tested independently, then assembled into the complete multi-functional system, thereby improving ease of manufacture while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a nested structure where the motorized actuation system is integrated within the console assembly housing, and the support assembly folds within the available space. This nesting approach allows multiple functional elements to coexist in a compact arrangement, facilitating manufacturing and assembly while achieving versatile adaptability between armrest and tray configurations.
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
Enables a convenient, motorized conversion between armrest and tray functions, providing enhanced usability and accessibility to storage space while supporting various items, including mobile workstations.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is configured to engage the coils of the at least one cable to translate the support assembly between the first position and the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle console assembly includes a body that defines a storage space. The body includes an upper rim. A support assembly is operable between a first position at one end of the upper rim and a second position at a second end of the upper rim. The support assembly is operable between a folded armrest condition and a deployed tray condition. An actuation assembly is operably coupled to the support assembly. The actuation assembly includes at least one cable having coils. The at least one cable is coupled to the support assembly. A motor is configured to engage the coils of the at least one cable to translate the support assembly between the first position and the second position.