Vehicle Seat Armrest Synchronization Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

In 'dive-down' seat systems, the center armrest becomes uncomfortable when the backrest part is tilted, as it transitions from a horizontal to an oblique position, disrupting user comfort.

Innovation Solution

A synchronization mechanism is introduced that maintains the armrest in a horizontal position relative to the backrest part's inclination adjustment, using a driver, pawl, transmission element, and stop linkages to ensure the armrest remains horizontal during reversible tilt adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the backrest part is tilted from starting position to comfort position, then the backrest inclination is adjusted, but the center armrest transitions from horizontal to oblique position causing discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebackrest inclination adjustmentVSAvoidarmrest comfort position
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest is designed with dynamic movement capability through a synchronization mechanism that automatically adjusts the armrest angle in response to backrest inclination changes. The mechanism includes a driver connected to the backrest, a transmission element with transmission ratio, and an armrest that pivots about its pivot axis, enabling the armrest to transition from horizontal to oblique position while maintaining user comfort throughout the adjustment range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a synchronization mechanism is introduced to maintain armrest horizontal position, then armrest comfort is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearmrest horizontal position maintenanceVSAvoidsynchronization mechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A driver is introduced as an intermediary element that is positionally stable during backrest inclination adjustment and acts on a synchronization mechanism. The driver includes a driver flank that engages with a latch bolt, providing a stable reference point that enables the synchronization mechanism to maintain armrest horizontal position without requiring complex active control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The synchronization mechanism replaces complex electronic control systems with a purely mechanical solution. The mechanism uses a driver with driver flank, latch bolt, pawl, transmission element, and stop linkages to automatically synchronize armrest position with backrest inclination through mechanical engagement and transmission, eliminating the need for sensors, motors, or control electronics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3201043B1Automatically adjustable central armrest, in particular for dive-down type vehicle seats, respectively seat devices
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP3201043B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3201043B1 patent drawingFigure 3-1~3-4
  • EP3201043B1 patent drawingFigure 4~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle seat (100) or a bench (100') comprising at least one backrest part (114; 114-40, 114-60) which can be adjustably inclined in a reversible manner from a starting position (AP) into a comfort position (KP) relative to at least one seat part (112) and on which at least one armrest (700) is arranged, said armrest being arranged in a substantially horizontal position in the starting position (AP) of the at least one backrest part (114; 114-40, 114-60). The at least one inclination-adjustable backrest part (114; 114-40, 114-60) is paired with a trigger element which has a stable position at least during the inclination adjustment, is directly or indirectly connected to a body (K), and acts on a synchronization mechanism (800) arranged between the at least one backrest part (114; 114-40, 114-60) and the at least one armrest (700), said synchronization mechanism producing an unchanged horizontal position of the armrest (700) during the reversible inclination adjustment of the at least one backrest part (114; 114-40, 114-60) from the starting position (AP) into the comfort position (KP).