Multi-link Knob Armrest for Continuous Console Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing sliding type armrests in vehicles face inconvenience due to discontinuity in opening console storage spaces after sliding action, leading to noise and risk of injury from gravitational falling, as the console locking force is re-generated, making continuous opening action difficult and unsafe.

Innovation Solution

An armrest with a multi-link knob mechanism that simultaneously releases console locking force and slide locking force after sliding action, allowing continuous opening of the console storage space without requiring additional manipulation, using a sliding knob, hook knob, and multi-link mechanism with sloping angle rotation to maintain force accuracy and prevent gravitational falling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sliding type armrest with hinge structure and hook structure is used, then convenience is enhanced by enabling opening action and locking/unlocking operation, but discontinuity of opening action occurs after sliding action due to re-generation of console locking force

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of opening console storage spaceVSAvoidtime required for sequential operations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sliding mechanism and opening mechanism into a single integrated structure. The armrest includes a sliding body that can slide along a rail and an opening body that can open the console storage space, both controlled by the same user input without requiring separate locking force releases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the armrest structure so that the console locking force is automatically released or maintained in a state that enables immediate opening action after sliding, eliminating the need to wait for locking force re-generation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the armrest is allowed to slide without binding after sliding action, then ease of operation is improved, but noise is generated and risk of injury is caused due to gravitational falling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sliding actionVSAvoidnoise and injury risk from gravitational falling

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary anti-action by incorporating a binding mechanism that automatically engages after the sliding action to prevent the armrest from falling due to gravity. The binding structure is pre-positioned to activate when the armrest reaches its sliding position, counteracting the gravitational force before it can cause harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the harmful gravitational force into a beneficial feature by using the weight of the armrest to enhance the binding engagement. The gravitational force that could cause falling is instead utilized to press the binding structure into its locked position, ensuring stable binding after sliding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a hook structure with latch-type hook knob is used to secure the armrest, then console locking force is provided for binding, but additional manipulation is required to release locking force for opening action

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsole locking forceVSAvoidnumber of manipulation steps

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements multi-functionality by designing a single integrated mechanism that performs both locking and opening functions. The armrest structure includes components that can simultaneously maintain console locking force while enabling opening action, eliminating the need for separate manipulation of hook knobs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies self-service by configuring the armrest so that the opening action can be performed without manual release of the locking force. The structure automatically maintains or releases the locking force as needed, allowing the user to simply pull the armrest open without additional manipulation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10077004B2Multi-link knob type armrest and armrest console and vehicle using the same

Publication Date: 2018.09.18 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An armrest may include an armrest module, a sliding knob to be rotated by a manipulating force provided thereon, a hook knob facilitating rotation of the sliding knob to be converted into rotation for releasing console locking force for binding the armrest module, and a multi-link at which sloping angle rotation is generated by the rotation of the sliding knob and then converted into rotation for releasing slide locking force for binding sliding movement of the armrest module.