Translating Armrest Docking Station for Vehicle Passengers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle docking stations for nomadic devices are primarily designed for front seat occupants, limiting convenient access and use for back seat passengers.
Innovation Solution
A translating docking station arrangement integrated into an armrest apparatus that moves between a retracted and deployed position, allowing convenient access by back seat occupants, while also serving as an armrest for front seat occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the docking station is positioned on the instrument panel for front seat occupants, then front seat occupants can conveniently view and operate the device, but back seat occupants cannot access the docking station
Solution Approach 1:
The docking station is made movable through a translating mechanism that allows it to shift between a retracted position (covering the armrest main base) and a deployed position (shifted laterally). This dynamic repositioning enables different occupants to access the docking station based on their seating position, resolving the contradiction between front seat convenience and back seat accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the docking station is made movable to serve back seat occupants, then multiple occupants can access the docking station, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The translating docking station arrangement is integrated into the armrest apparatus, merging the docking station functionality with the existing armrest structure. This integration allows the docking station to translate relative to the armrest main base while sharing structural components, thereby reducing overall complexity compared to a separate movable docking station system.
Data Source
AI summary
Armrest apparatuses for motor vehicles are provided. In one example, an armrest apparatus comprises an armrest main base. A translating docking station arrangement for holding a nomadic device is operatively coupled to the armrest main base to move relative to the armrest main base between a retracted position and a deployed position. The translating docking station arrangement in the retracted position substantially covers the armrest main base. The translating docking station arrangement in the deployed position is shifted laterally relative to the retracted position.