Vehicle Sliding Armrest with Dynamic Locking and Interlock Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding armrests for vehicles are prone to unintended sliding due to external forces, causing inconvenience and safety hazards during driving.
Innovation Solution
A sliding armrest system featuring a rotatable hook, a knob mechanism, a stopper, and an interlock that allows selective sliding and opening of the console by operating a knob, with elastic members to maintain the armrest in desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the armrest is made slidable to adapt to passenger conditions, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to unintended sliding from external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest employs a dynamic locking mechanism where the locking ball can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The elastic member provides continuous force to maintain the locking ball in the engaged position, while the knob enables controlled transition to the disengaged state. This dynamic system allows the armrest to be both easily movable when needed and reliably stable when locked.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking ball acts as an intermediary element between the armrest and the locking mechanism. It transfers the locking force from the elastic member to the armrest, enabling reliable position holding. The knob serves as another intermediary that the user operates to control the locking state, providing intuitive control without directly manipulating the complex internal mechanism.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unintended sliding, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: the locking ball for position holding, the elastic member for providing locking force, and the knob for control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, while collectively providing reliable locking without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic member provides automatic locking force without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The mechanism self-regulates by using the elastic deformation of the member to maintain the locking ball in the engaged position, reducing the need for additional actuators or control electronics.
3Ease of manufacture
If the armrest structure is simplified for ease of manufacture, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to insufficient anti-sliding capability
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism uses simple, inexpensive components such as a spherical locking ball and an elastic member that can be easily manufactured. These components are designed to be replaced if worn, rather than designing for extended service life through complex materials or structures. This approach maintains reliability while keeping manufacturing simple and cost-effective.
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
Enhances user convenience and safety by preventing unintended sliding and allowing controlled operation of the armrest and console, ensuring safe driving conditions.
Implementation Method 1
including an elastic member elastically pressurizing the locking plate
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a sliding armrest for a vehicle, including: a lower cover having a rotatable hook that is detachably coupled to a console and opening and closing a storage space of the console; an upper cover slid between a protruding position in a length direction and an initial position; a knob means rotatably provided at the upper cover and rotating the hook at the initial position of the upper cover to detach the hook from the console; a stopper fastened to the lower cover to restrain sliding of the upper cover or released from the lower cover by the knob means to allow the sliding of the upper cover; and an interlock disposed at the upper cover and rotating the hook corresponding to an operation of the knob means at the protruding position of the upper cover, to detach the hook from the console.