Sliding Armrest Assembly With Damped Motion and Stable Rest Positions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding armrests for vehicle center consoles lack robustness to withstand substantial forces and controlled motion, often sliding freely during accidents or sudden movements, while requiring easy one-handed activation without distracting the driver.
Innovation Solution
A sliding armrest assembly with a structural design incorporating steel tubes, leaf springs, and a viscous dampener to provide controlled motion and resistance, featuring discreet rest positions and a comfortable foam covering, ensuring smooth operation and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding surface is provided on the console lid to enable adjustment, then the armrest can be adjusted for driver or passenger comfort, but the armrest becomes unstable and slides freely during accidents or sudden braking
Solution Approach 1:
A dampener mechanism is introduced as an intermediary element between the sliding armrest cover and the console base. This dampener controls the sliding motion by providing frictional resistance, allowing intentional adjustment while preventing unintended movement during accidents or sudden braking. The dampener acts as a mediator that selectively permits or restricts motion based on the force applied.
2Reliability
If the sliding motion is controlled to resist sudden movements, then safety is improved, but the armrest becomes difficult to activate with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The dampener mechanism is designed with non-uniform friction characteristics along the sliding path. It provides higher resistance to sudden or forceful movements (improving safety) while allowing smooth, controlled movement when gentle pressure is applied (maintaining ease of operation). The friction force varies locally depending on the sliding position and velocity, enabling one-handed activation while preventing accidental movement.
3Strength
If a robust structural design is used to withstand substantial forces, then safety and durability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using heavy, complex rigid structures, the patent employs a flexible dampener mechanism that provides the necessary control and resistance. The dampener can be implemented as a simple friction-based component or a flexible element that provides controlled resistance without requiring complex mechanical structures. This approach achieves robustness and safety while maintaining simplicity in design and manufacturing.
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 assembly provides a robust, ergonomically functional, and comfortable armrest with controlled motion, resisting sudden movements while allowing easy, controlled operation, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the invention may further include a viscous dampener to provide additional motion control
Implementation Method 2
A sliding armrest assembly with a structural design incorporating steel tubes, leaf springs, and a viscous dampener to provide controlled motion and resistance
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding armrest for use in an automotive vehicle. The sliding armrest including a lower cover, and a lower rail case arranged on a top surface of the lower cover. The armrest includes a guide arranged on the surface of the lower rail case and an upper case cover having a plurality of bosses extending from the surface thereof with the bosses contacting the guide. The sliding armrest also includes a force member arranged between the upper case cover and the guide.