Pivot Armrest-Seatback Assembly With Dual-Cam Position Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest assemblies in vehicles lack a seamless transition from a downward support position to an upright design position that can accommodate a third occupant, and they do not effectively prevent noise and vibration issues during use.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting armrest and seatback assembly with a base secured to the vehicle, featuring inter-engaging cams and a lever system that allows the armrest to rotate between upright and forward dump positions, incorporating a clock spring bias and a reinforcing bracket to maintain engagement and prevent noise and vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is designed to pivot between downward and upright positions, then it can provide ergonomic support for a third passenger, but it may generate noise and vibration during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating vibration-dampening materials and noise-absorbing elements into the armrest structure prior to operation. The armrest includes foam insulation and acoustic damping materials that are pre-installed to reduce noise and vibration generated during pivoting between seating configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing damping materials and friction-reducing elements as mediators between moving components. These intermediaries absorb vibration and reduce noise during the transition between armrest positions while allowing smooth movement.
2Ease of manufacture
If the armrest uses a simple pivot mechanism, then it is easy to manufacture, but it cannot ensure secure engagement in both upright and forward dump positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the pivot mechanism into distinct functional components: a first cam for engagement with the base, a second cam for the forward dump position, and a lever system with cable tensioning. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturing feasibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using spring-loaded cams that dynamically adjust to engagement surfaces. The first cam engages with the base at an upper surface location, while the second cam engages at a lower surface location, allowing the mechanism to adapt to variations in assembly tolerances and maintain secure engagement.
3Ease of operation
If the armrest incorporates a lever and cable system, then it can control cam rotation for position transitions, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the lever system to perform multiple functions: it rotates the first cam for upright position transitions, tensions the cable to control the second cam, and provides a mechanical advantage for easy operation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate control mechanisms for each cam.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through the spring-loaded cam mechanism that automatically engages and disengages from the base surface without requiring precise manual positioning. The spring force self-adjusts to maintain engagement, and the cable tensioning system automatically controls cam rotation based on lever position.
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
The assembly provides ergonomic support for a third passenger while preventing noise and vibration issues by ensuring secure engagement in both upright and forward dump positions, enhancing user experience and structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
A clock spring is provided biasing the second cam in an opposite direction to a pivotal direction induced by the first cam
Implementation Method 2
A first cam is pivotally secured to the sector... A second cam is also pivotally secured to the sector in inter-engaging fashion with the first cam
Implementation Method 3
A lever is pivotally supported upon the sector at an extended location relative to the first and second cams, a cable extending from the lever and contacting the first cam
Data Source
AI summary
A combination pivoting armrest and seatback assembly incorporated into a vehicle including a base secured to the vehicle and exhibiting an extending edge profile. A sector is pivotally secured to the base, with a first cam pivotally secured to the sector and contacting a first edge location of the base when the sector is in an upright position. A second cam is also pivotally secured to the sector in inter-engaging fashion with the first cam such that, upon the first cam being rotated out of contact with the base and the sector rotating to a forward dump position, the second cam subsequently contacts a second edge location of the base.