Vehicle Seat Arm Rest Tool-Free Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seats lack simplicity and rapid variability, making it difficult to adapt to changing space requirements within vehicle interiors without requiring tools.
Innovation Solution
The arm rest arrangement features a tool-free fixation unit that can be easily attached or detached from the supporting structure using a movable latching mechanism, allowing for quick adjustments and adaptations to suit different space configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the arm rest arrangement is fixed rigidly to the supporting structure, then the structural stability is improved, but the adaptability and ease of reconfiguration deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation unit employs a latching mechanism that transitions between locked and unlocked states, enabling the arm rest arrangement to be securely fixed during use yet easily reconfigured when needed. This dynamic switching capability resolves the contradiction by providing both structural stability during operation and adaptability for reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixation unit is designed as a separate, modular component with a latching mechanism that can independently engage or disengage from the supporting structure. This segmentation allows the arm rest arrangement to maintain stability when latched while enabling quick detachment and reconfiguration, thus balancing structural stability with adaptability.
2Reliability
If traditional fixed attachment methods are used, then the reliability of connection is improved, but the ease of operation and time required for installation/detachment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to be actuated by the user without requiring external tools. The user can directly engage or disengage the fixation unit from the supporting structure by operating the latching mechanism itself, eliminating the need for additional installation tools and simplifying the operation while maintaining reliable connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism provides a reliable locked state during normal use while allowing quick, tool-free release when needed. This dynamic capability ensures both reliable connection during operation and ease of installation/detachment, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and operational ease.
3Productivity
If tool-free attachment is implemented, then the productivity and speed of reconfiguration are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation unit is designed as a compact, integrated module with the latching mechanism built into the arm rest arrangement itself. This segmentation allows the complex latching functionality to be contained within a small, self-contained unit, enabling tool-free, rapid reconfiguration while minimizing the overall device complexity through modular integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is merged with the arm rest arrangement structure, combining the attachment function with the arm rest body. This integration allows tool-free operation and rapid reconfiguration while avoiding the need for separate, additional components, thus improving productivity without excessive increase in device complexity.
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
This solution enables rapid and simple adaptation of vehicle seats to various space needs, enhancing flexibility and usability in vehicles such as minibuses, saloon cars, and aircraft, by allowing arm rests to be installed or removed without tools, thereby improving passenger comfort and interior flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The latching mechanism includes a magnet and a magnetically attractable counterpart
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat having a supporting structure, having a seat surface and having a back rest, and having at least one arm rest arrangement which is held on the supporting structure. The arm rest arrangement includes a fixation unit which is capable of being attached to a complementary accommodating unit of the supporting structure or detached from the accommodating unit without a tool.