Resettable Armrest With Deformable Engagement Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional seat armrests break when a threshold load is exceeded, requiring replacement to support the occupant's arm, necessitating a solution for resettable armrests that can withstand and recover from excessive loads.

Innovation Solution

A seat assembly with a pivotally coupled armrest, an engagement member, and a stopper that allows the armrest to pivot from a use position to a drop-down position upon exceeding a predetermined load, and can be reset to the original position by pivoting above it, utilizing an engagement member that deforms to facilitate this movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional structural components are used in armrests, then the armrest can support the occupant's arm in the use position, but the armrest breaks when a threshold load is exceeded requiring replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidreusability after overload

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement member is designed to change its physical state from engaged to disengaged when a threshold load is exceeded. This parameter change allows the armrest to transition from a locked use position to a dropped position, absorbing the excessive force and preventing permanent structural damage that would require replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member acts as a pre-designed failure mechanism that cushions the impact of excessive loads before they can damage the main structural components. By anticipating potential overloads, the design incorporates this sacrificial element that protects the overall armrest structure and enables reset after overload events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the armrest is designed to be rigid and fixed, then it provides stable support, but it cannot recover from excessive loads without replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidreset capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest incorporates a dynamic engagement member that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic element allows the otherwise stable and rigid armrest structure to temporarily yield under excessive load and then reset, combining structural stability with recoverability without requiring replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement member is designed as a sacrificial, replaceable component that absorbs the damage from excessive loads. This disposable element protects the main armrest structure, allowing the overall system to be reset by simply replacing or resetting the engagement member rather than the entire armrest assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Force

If the engagement member remains engaged to prevent armrest movement, then the armrest stays in the use position, but it cannot allow controlled drop down when load exceeds threshold

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement forceVSAvoidresponse to varying loads

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The engagement member's engagement force is designed to be state-dependent, maintaining strong engagement under normal loads to hold the armrest in the use position, but automatically disengaging when the load exceeds a predetermined threshold. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying load conditions and provide controlled drop down when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables the armrest to safely pivot down when a load exceeds the threshold and reset back to the horizontal use position, extending the armrest's lifespan and avoiding the need for replacement.

Implementation Method 1

The engagement member is configured to deform against the stopper upon application of a predetermined force to allow the armrest to move from the use position toward the drop down position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11541791B2Seat assemblies having resettable armrests

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

A seat assembly including a seat frame, an armrest pivotally coupled to the seat frame, a stopper, and an engagement member. The armrest pivots between a use position and a drop down position below the use position in a vertical direction. In the use position, the armrest is configured to support an arm of a user. The engagement member contacts the stopper in the use position to inhibit movement of the armrest from the use position toward the drop down position. The engagement member is configured to deform against the stopper upon application of a predetermined force to allow the armrest to move from the use position toward the drop down position.