Vehicle Armrest with Laterally Collapsible Base for Side Impact Energy Dissipation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle armrests pose a hazard during side impact collisions as they can be forced into the cabin, and current solutions lack effective deformation mechanisms to dissipate impact energy.
Innovation Solution
A laterally collapsible armrest structure with a substrate and base, where the base is formed from a core and surface material with varying densities, allowing for deformation under lateral loads, and is overmolded onto the substrate to provide reinforcement and energy dissipation during collisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the armrest is made rigid to provide structural support, then strength is improved, but the armrest can be forced into the cabin during side impact collision creating a hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic collapsible structure that changes its mechanical properties under load. The substrate includes collapsible portions that remain rigid under normal conditions but deform during side impact collisions, allowing the armrest to adapt its behavior based on the applied force magnitude
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest utilizes materials and structures whose mechanical parameters change under different load conditions. The core material and surface material have different densities and deformation characteristics, allowing the armrest to maintain structural integrity during normal use while enabling controlled deformation during collisions to dissipate energy
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the armrest is made collapsible to dissipate impact energy, then safety during collision is improved, but structural support capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest applies different structural qualities to different portions of the substrate. The collapsible portions are designed with specific geometric features that enable deformation, while other portions maintain full structural strength. This localized differentiation allows the armrest to provide structural support where needed and energy dissipation where appropriate
Solution Approach 2:
The armrest combines core material and surface material with different densities and mechanical properties. This composite structure enables the armrest to maintain overall structural integrity while allowing controlled deformation in specific regions during impact, achieving both structural support and energy dissipation
3Stability of the object's composition
If a base is added to provide reinforcement, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is integrated with the substrate through overmolding, combining two components into a single unified structure. This merging approach provides the reinforcement and stability benefits of a separate base while eliminating the complexity of additional assembly steps and multiple discrete parts
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
The armrest effectively deforms under side impact loads, dissipating energy and reducing the risk of injury by collapsing and crumpling, thereby enhancing occupant safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The core may be configured to deform under at least one of (a) an impact load, (b) a side impact load, (c) a collision impact
Implementation Method 2
The armrest effectively deforms under side impact loads, dissipating energy and reducing the risk of injury by collapsing and crumpling
Implementation Method 3
The inner portion and the outer portion of the substrate may provide features for flow of the material of the base to register the base to the substrate
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a vehicle interior configured to deform under a load is disclosed. An armrest for a vehicle interior configured to deform under a load is disclosed. A method for forming the armrest is disclosed. The armrest may comprise a substrate and base formed on the substrate. The base may comprise a core and a surface (or skin). The core may comprise a material configured to deform under a load (e.g. impact). The method for forming the armrest may comprise the steps of: (a) placing the substrate in a mold and (b) forming the base on the substrate. A coating may be provided in the mold. The substrate may be formed from a plastic material such as a thermoplastic material to provide a structure. The base of the armrest may be formed from a plastic material such as a polyurethane foam material to form the core with integral surface/skin.