Reconfigurable Vehicle Seat Armrest for Hands-Free Device Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle seat armrests lack versatility, failing to provide adequate support for both passenger arms and personal electronic devices in a hands-free manner.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable side armrest with an elongate frame and cover that pivots from a conventional armrest configuration to an auxiliary configuration, featuring a carrier for personal objects and onboard personal electronic device output interfaces for power supply.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional fixed armrest is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks versatility to support both arms and personal electronic devices
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest employs a pivot mechanism that allows the distal segment to rotate between a first position (supporting arms) and a second position (supporting electronic devices). This dynamic reconfiguration enables a single structure to perform multiple functions, resolving the contradiction between versatility and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest is designed as a multi-functional device that can support both passenger arms and personal electronic devices. By integrating a pivot mechanism and carrier system into the armrest structure, it becomes a universal support element that adapts to different user needs without requiring separate dedicated structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a reconfigurable armrest with pivot mechanism is added, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is divided into distinct segments: a base segment anchored to the seatback, a distal segment that pivots, and a carrier component. This segmentation allows each part to be manufactured separately using standard processes, then assembled together, reducing overall manufacturing complexity while enabling reconfigurable functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier is positioned within or integrated with the armrest structure, allowing components to be nested or closely integrated. This nesting approach reduces the number of separate parts and assembly steps, making the reconfigurable mechanism easier to manufacture while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest is made reconfigurable with multiple positions, then functionality is enhanced, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot mechanism allows the armrest to be easily reconfigured between positions by simple rotation, and the carrier can be slid along the distal segment to different locations. These dynamic movements are designed to be intuitive and require minimal effort, maintaining ease of operation while enhancing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest configuration changes are designed to be user-initiated and self-contained, requiring no external power or complex control systems. The pivot and sliding mechanisms are passively operated by the user, making the enhanced functionality accessible through simple manual actions.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a seatback and a side armrest. The side armrest includes an elongate frame anchored to the seatback and an elongate cover supported on the frame. The frame includes a base segment, by which the frame is anchored to the seatback, and a pivoting distal segment. With the frame's base segment extending away from the seatback, the side armrest is reconfigurable between an armrest configuration and an auxiliary configuration. In the armrest configuration, the frame's distal segment is inline with its base segment, the cover covers the frame, and the cover is supported on the frame for sliding movement along the frame that culminates in lodgment onto its distal segment. In the auxiliary configuration, the cover is lodged onto the frame's distal segment, and the frame's distal segment is pivoted towards the seatback to position the cover to extend in front of the seatback.