Powered Vehicle Arm Rest for Floor-Parallel Seatback Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional arm rests in vehicle seats have a fixed angle relative to the seatback, which becomes misaligned with the vehicle floor when the seatback is adjusted, leading to an undesirable position for the occupant.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven arm rest system that adjusts its position relative to the seatback using a screw and lever mechanism, synchronized with the seatback's movement to maintain parallel alignment with the floor during seatback adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the arm rest is fixed at a set angle relative to the seatback, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the arm rest becomes misaligned with the floor when the seatback is adjusted, resulting in poor ergonomics
Solution Approach 1:
The arm rest angle is made dynamic rather than fixed. The arm rest automatically adjusts its angle relative to the seatback based on the seatback's position, maintaining optimal ergonomics throughout the range of motion. This is achieved through a mechanical linkage system that couples the arm rest's angular position to the seatback's angular position, allowing the arm rest to adapt dynamically to different seating configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback from the seatback's position to automatically adjust the arm rest angle. Sensors detect the seatback's angular position and provide feedback to a control system, which then actuates the arm rest to the appropriate angle. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures the arm rest remains ergonomically optimized regardless of seatback adjustments.
2Ease of operation
If the arm rest angle is adjusted to remain parallel with the floor during seatback movement, then ergonomics are improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional motors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The arm rest system is self-adjusting through mechanical coupling with the seatback. As the seatback moves, the mechanical linkage automatically adjusts the arm rest angle without requiring separate power sources or control systems. The system uses the seatback's own movement as the driving force, making the adjustment process self-powered and eliminating the need for additional motors dedicated to arm rest positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm rest adjustment function is merged with the seatback adjustment mechanism. Both movements are coordinated through a shared mechanical linkage system that uses a single motor to control both the seatback angle and the arm rest angle simultaneously. This integration reduces the total number of motors and control systems required compared to having independent adjustment mechanisms for each component.
3Device complexity
If conventional arm rests are used, then the structure is simple, but the arm rests block rotation of the seatback when folded onto the seat bottom
Solution Approach 1:
The arm rest is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to change its angular position relative to the seatback. When the seatback is folded onto the seat bottom, the arm rest automatically rotates to align with the folded position, preventing interference. This dynamic adaptation enables the seat to achieve its compact folded configuration without the arm rest blocking the movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm rest mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides ergonomic support during normal use and automatically clears the folding path when the seatback is collapsed. The same mechanical linkage that adjusts the arm rest angle for ergonomics also enables it to rotate out of the way during folding operations, eliminating the need for separate clearance mechanisms.
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
Ensures the arm rest remains parallel to the floor regardless of seatback position, providing consistent comfort and clearance for seat entry/exiting.
Implementation Method 1
a motor disposed within the housing and configured to maintain a position of the housing relative to the seat bottom during movement of the seatback relative to the seat bottom
Implementation Method 2
A screw may extend from and be driven by the motor, the screw configured to rotate a lever in contact with the seatback to adjust a position of the housing relative to the seatback
Implementation Method 3
the screw configured to rotate a lever in contact with the seatback to adjust a position of the housing relative to the seatback
Data Source
AI summary
An arm rest for a seat having a seatback and a seat bottom includes a housing rotatable relative to the seatback and a motor disposed within the housing and configured to maintain a position of the housing relative to the seat bottom during movement of the seatback relative to the seat bottom.