Vehicle Armrest Layout With Sliding Access and Integrated Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior systems lack a versatile and space-efficient armrest design that allows for adjustable positioning and storage integration, compromising both user comfort and interior aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior system featuring an armrest that translates laterally between two positions relative to a support structure, which includes a storage compartment with a pivotable lid, and a second armrest that pivots from a stowed to a use position, both integrated with a support structure that optimizes space usage and user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the armrest is positioned close to the seating assembly for space efficiency, then interior space utilization is improved, but user comfort and accessibility are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest is designed with translational capability, allowing it to move between a first position (farther from seating assembly) and a second position (closer to seating assembly). This dynamic positioning enables the armrest to adapt between providing user comfort when extended and optimizing interior space when retracted, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the armrest includes integrated storage compartment, then functionality and versatility are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is integrated into the armrest structure itself, combining the armrest function with storage functionality. The lid is pivotally coupled to the armrest and can open independently when the armrest is in the first position, allowing access to storage without requiring armrest movement. This merging of functions provides versatility while maintaining structural integration rather than adding separate components.
3Ease of operation
If the lid pivot path is unrestricted for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but interference with support structure is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with conditional pivotability based on armrest position. When the armrest is in the first position, the lid can pivot freely for easy access to storage. When the armrest moves to the second position, the lid's pivot path is constrained to prevent interference with the support structure. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between unrestricted access and structural interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The system requires the armrest to be positioned in the first position before the lid can be opened. This preliminary positioning action ensures that the lid has sufficient clearance to pivot without interfering with the support structure, preventing harmful interference before it can occur.
Data Source
AI summary
An interior system for a vehicle includes a seating assembly that is coupled to the vehicle. An armrest corresponding with and in a spaced-relationship with the seating assembly is operable to translate in a seating assembly-lateral direction from a first position to a second position. In the first position of the armrest, the armrest is a first distance from the seating assembly. In the second position of the armrest, the armrest is a second distance from the seating assembly. The first distance is greater than the second distance.