Rear Seat Armrest Assembly With Damper-Controlled Drop and Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing armrest assemblies for vehicle rear seats suffer from noise, abrasion, and non-uniform falling velocity due to friction-based operation, which compromises the implementation of a high-quality locking structure.
Innovation Solution
An armrest assembly utilizing a speed-reduction damper mechanism with a gas spring to regulate rotational speed and a locking mechanism with locking pins to ensure secure fixation, preventing rattling and improving durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a friction-based locking structure is used for the armrest, then the armrest can be locked in position, but noise is generated during operation and abrasion occurs reducing durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional friction-based mechanical locking system with a positive locking mechanism using locking pins that engage with locking holes. This substitution eliminates the sliding friction that caused noise and abrasion, while providing secure locking through discrete engagement points. The locking pins are driven by a wire-connected actuating mechanism that provides reliable locking without the harmful effects of friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wire-connected actuating mechanisms as intermediaries between the user's manual input and the locking pins. These wires transmit force to move the locking pins into engagement with the locking holes, providing a smooth, friction-free actuation system that eliminates the noise and wear associated with direct mechanical friction-based locking systems.
2Ease of operation
If a friction-based operation mechanism is used for armrest rotation, then the armrest can be rotated and locked, but non-uniform falling velocity occurs compromising quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the friction-based rotation control mechanism with a positive engagement system using locking pins and locking holes. This substitution provides discrete, predetermined stopping positions with uniform velocity characteristics, eliminating the non-uniform falling velocity caused by variable friction forces in the traditional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from continuous friction-based control to discrete position-based control. By defining specific locking positions through the locking holes, the system achieves uniform velocity characteristics at each position, transforming the variable-velocity friction system into a consistent, predictable motion system.
3Reliability
If a friction-based locking structure is used, then the armrest can be secured, but the locking security is insufficient due to abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the wear-prone friction-based locking structure with a positive locking system using pins and holes. This replacement eliminates the progressive degradation from abrasion, providing enduring locking security that maintains its effectiveness throughout the product's service life without the durability reduction caused by friction wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates multiple locking pins engaged with locking holes to provide redundant locking points. This beforehand cushioning approach ensures that even if one locking point experiences wear or misalignment, other locking points maintain the security, thereby preventing the degradation of locking reliability over time.
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 achieves a uniform falling speed, reduces operational noise, and enhances durability by using a gas spring to regulate rotational speed and secure locking pins for stable armrest extension and retraction.
Implementation Method 1
a speed-reduction damper mechanism using a gas spring configured to make a rotational speed of the armrest uniform by reducing the rotational speed when the armrest rotates to be extended
Implementation Method 2
a locking mechanism configured to lock the armrest by connecting the armrest to hinge brackets of the armrest board when the user does not manipulate the knob or to unlock the armrest by disconnecting the armrest and the hinge brackets when the user manipulates the knob
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment armrest assembly for a vehicle includes an armrest rotatably coupled to an armrest board and configured to be extended from the armrest board by rotating forward or to be housed in the armrest board by rotating and standing and a speed-reduction damper mechanism connecting the armrest and the armrest board and configured to make a rotational speed of the armrest uniform by reducing the rotational speed when the armrest rotates to be extended.