Swivel Armrest Bearing Shell Structure for Stiffness and Sliding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing center armrests in vehicles face challenges in achieving the necessary stiffness and sliding properties, as metal sheet components provide a small bearing surface and complex production tools are required for plastic components to enhance sliding properties.
Innovation Solution
A center armrest supporting structure with metal sheet console parts featuring bearing bores and plastic bearing shells that can be assembled in the axial direction, allowing for cost-efficient production and simplified tooling, and incorporating elastic latching projections and deformable projections for stability and assembly assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal sheet console parts are used, then structural strength and stiffness are improved, but bearing surface area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines metal sheet console parts with plastic bearing shells to create a composite structure. The metal provides structural strength and stiffness, while the plastic bearing shell increases the bearing surface area and provides sliding properties. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to contribute its advantageous properties.
2Ease of operation
If plastic components are added to metal console parts, then sliding properties are improved, but device complexity and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the console assembly into separate functional segments: the metal console part provides structural support, while the plastic bearing shell provides sliding properties. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies production by allowing separate manufacturing and assembly of the two materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The plastic bearing shell acts as an intermediary element between the metal console part and the arm support. It mediates the interaction by providing a low-friction sliding surface while being mounted on the metal console, thus improving sliding properties without requiring complex integration of plastic and metal.
3Ease of operation
If complex plastic components are used, then desired sliding properties are achieved, but manufacturing complexity and tooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a thin plastic bearing shell that can be injection-molded as a simple, cost-effective component. The shell is designed to be mounted on the metal console part in a straightforward manner, avoiding complex tooling requirements while still providing the necessary sliding properties for smooth arm support movement.
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
This solution provides a cost-effective and stable center armrest supporting structure with improved sliding properties, enabling efficient assembly and reduced production complexity, while ensuring the armrest remains securely positioned and stable.
Implementation Method 1
it is a drawback when using a metal sheet that it is not possible to realize specific sliding properties
Implementation Method 2
at least one bearing shell features at least one elastically deformable latching projection
Data Source
AI summary
A center armrest supporting structure for mounting an arm support can be swiveled between a lower use position and an upper rest position for use in a vehicle. Here, the carrying structure as an element of the vehicle features a left and a right console part made of a metal sheet, which have the arm support mounted thereon via bolt sections. Here, each console part on the side facing toward the arm support features a bearing shell made of plastics, wherein the bearing shell can be mounted on the console part by an assembly movement which is directed at least partially in parallel to the swivel axis.