Retractable Seat Control Interface Assembly with Track and Detent Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle seat control interfaces are often aesthetically unappealing and not ergonomically positioned, making them inconvenient for use when needed.
Innovation Solution
A retractable interface assembly with a track and track follower support member, a viewing angle detent mechanism, and a spring loading release mechanism that allows the interface panel to move between retracted and extended positions, providing an ergonomically positioned and aesthetically hidden control interface when not in use, which can be easily accessed by the occupant.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control interface is permanently visible and accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a retracted position (hidden within the armrest) and an extended position (accessible to the occupant). The interface panel can be moved along a track mechanism, allowing it to transition from a concealed state that preserves aesthetic appearance to an accessible state that facilitates ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control interface is extracted from the main body of the armrest and placed on a movable panel that can be separated from the armrest structure. This allows the interface to be removed or retracted when not in use, preserving the clean aesthetic appearance of the armrest while maintaining full functionality when needed.
2Shape
If the control interface is retracted to maintain aesthetic appearance, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interface panel incorporates a spring-loaded release mechanism that allows the occupant to quickly and easily move the panel from the retracted position to the extended position. This dynamic mechanism ensures that while the interface appears hidden during non-use, it can be rapidly accessed when needed, maintaining both aesthetic appearance and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded release mechanism is designed to be actuated by the occupant themselves through a simple pressing motion on the front surface of the interface panel. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional controls or complex operations, allowing the occupant to independently and easily access the control interface when needed.
3Shape
If the interface panel is made movable and retractable, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control interface is segmented into separate functional components: the interface panel, the track mechanism, the follower support member, and the spring-loaded release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex retractable mechanism into manageable, modular parts that can be manufactured and assembled separately.
Solution Approach 2:
A follower support member acts as an intermediary element between the interface panel and the track mechanism. This intermediary component simplifies the connection between the movable panel and the fixed track, reducing the overall complexity of the retractable mechanism while ensuring smooth movement and proper engagement.
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 solution provides a convenient, ergonomically positioned, and aesthetically pleasing control interface that is easily accessible to the occupant, enhancing user experience and maintaining the vehicle's appearance during non-use.
Implementation Method 1
The coil spring arrangement may comprise a coil spring assembly connected to the base member and connected to the track follower support member for spring biasing the track follower support member to the retracted position
Implementation Method 2
The biasing device may comprise a coil spring arrangement configured to move the track follower support member along the track of the base member to the retracted position
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable interface assembly includes a base member defining a track and a track follower support member engaging the track and moving along the track between a retracted position and an extended position. A viewing angle detent mechanism pivotably connects an interface panel to the track follower support member and defines a plurality of angular positions of the interface panel relative to the track follower support member, including a storage angle position and a full up angle position, to fix the interface panel relative to the track follower support member in one of the plurality of angular positions. A position setting device sets a position of the track follower support member along the track of the base member. The set positions include the retracted position and the extended position of the track follower support member along the track of the base member.