Sliding Vehicle Console Armrest for Table Access and Lid Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle consoles with sliding tables face difficulties in usability and convenience due to interference with items when switching from accommodation to usage positions, and the inability to pivot the lid while the table is in use, limiting access to the console's compartments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle console design featuring a slidable armrest that independently changes positions to expose the table, allowing the lid to pivot freely between closed and open positions, ensuring the table can be used without obstructing access to the console's compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the table is switched from accommodation position to usage position through forward sliding movement, then the table can be used, but it interferes with items located frontward from the armrest
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the armrest into two independent movable components: the armrest body and the table. The armrest body can slide independently to expose or accommodate the table without moving the table itself. This segmentation allows the armrest body to clear items in the front while the table remains in its accommodation position, eliminating the interference problem while maintaining table accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the table is in use, then the table provides functionality, but the lid cannot be pivoted to open the upper opening of the box body
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the table support system into two independent support locations: the lid and the box body. The table can be supported by the box body when in use, while the lid remains free to pivot open independently. This allows users to access the accommodation portion through the open lid even while the table is being used, resolving the conflict between table usability and compartment accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The box body acts as an intermediary support structure for the table. Instead of the table being exclusively supported by the lid (which would prevent lid movement), the box body provides an alternative support path. This intermediary support allows the lid to move freely while maintaining table functionality, enabling simultaneous access to both the table and the accommodation portion.
3Device complexity
If the armrest and table are moved together as a single unit, then the structure is simple, but switching the table to usage position is difficult when the table interferes with items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the armrest assembly into two independently movable segments: the armrest body and the table. The armrest body can slide forward and backward independently of the table, allowing it to clear items in its path while leaving the table in place. This segmentation increases operational flexibility and convenience while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity through the use of guide grooves and simple support mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle console is configured to be arranged adjacent to a vehicle seat in a width direction of the vehicle seat. The vehicle console includes a console body, an armrest slidable relative to the console body, and a table accommodated in the armrest. The armrest is configured to be slidable, independently of the table, between a first position at which the armrest accommodates the table and a second position, located rearward from the first position in a front-rear direction of the vehicle seat, at which the armrest exposes the table.