Quick-Release Driver Seat Armrest for Wheelchair Access and Airbag Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass-produced passenger vehicles lack modifications to accommodate physically limited passengers, and existing retrofitting solutions often compromise safety features, particularly for driver's side seats in vehicles adapted for wheelchair users.
Innovation Solution
A quick release armrest assembly with a detent pin and grommet system is integrated into the driver's seat, allowing the armrest to be easily detached and reattached, preventing rotation and ensuring airbag deployment, while maintaining safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest is permanently fixed to the driver's seat, then the structural integrity and safety features are maintained, but the accessibility for wheelchair users is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assembly is divided into separable components: the armrest itself and the support structure with quick-release mechanism. This segmentation allows the armrest to be detached when needed for wheelchair access while maintaining the support structure's integration with the seat for safety purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest assembly transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic removable state through the quick-release mechanism. The detent pin and grommet system enables the armrest to be easily attached and detached, providing adaptability between accessibility needs and safety requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the armrest is made removable to facilitate wheelchair access, then the accessibility is improved, but the risk of compromising safety features increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release mechanism acts as an intermediary between the armrest and support structure. This intermediary system controlled by the actuator enables safe and controlled detachment, preventing accidental removal while facilitating intentional access for wheelchair users.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent pin is pre-positioned in the engaged state, requiring deliberate actuator activation for release. This preliminary positioning ensures the armrest remains securely attached during normal operation and only becomes removable when the user intentionally activates the release mechanism.
3Ease of manufacture
If the armrest is designed with quick-release functionality, then the accessibility and ease of installation are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The quick-release functionality is extracted as a separate mechanism (detent pin, grommet, actuator) from the basic armrest structure. This extraction allows the core armrest function to remain simple while adding the release capability as a distinct, manageable subsystem.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the armrest, integrates with the driver's seat for safety, and houses the quick-release mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity while providing comprehensive functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest assembly for a seat in a modified OEM vehicle. The armrest assembly includes an armrest support having a grommet and a detent pin, wherein the grommet includes a grommet aperture. An armrest includes an armrest aperture and a pin aperture; wherein the armrest aperture is configured to receive the grommet and the pin aperture is configured to receive the detent pin. A quick release connector extends through the grommet aperture and the armrest aperture, wherein the quick release connector includes an actuator to release the armrest from the armrest support. Engagement of the detent pin with the pin aperture prevents rotation of the armrest with respect to the armrest support.