Motor Vehicle Armrest with Adjustable Control Panel

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional motor vehicle armrests lack adjustability, failing to accommodate individual ergonomic needs of drivers and passengers, leading to compromised comfort and ergonomics.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable armrest system with independently adjustable armrest elements and a control panel, featuring electrical adjustment devices for height and inclination, allowing user-specific positioning and memory storage for personalized settings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the armrest is integrated into the door trim with fixed position, then the design integrity is maintained, but the ergonomic adaptability is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveergonomic adaptabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest system is divided into separate adjustable components (armrest element and control panel) that can be independently positioned, allowing each component to be optimized for ergonomics while maintaining overall design integrity through modular construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The armrest incorporates electrically actuated adjustment mechanisms that enable dynamic repositioning of the armrest element and control panel to accommodate different user preferences and driving positions, transforming the fixed structure into an adaptable system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the armrest element and control panel are positioned close to the support for design purposes, then the design requirements are met, but the ergonomic optimization is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition adaptabilityVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism enables movement of the armrest element and control panel along the longitudinal axis of the door, adding a dimensional degree of freedom that allows ergonomic optimization without compromising design requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If a single electrical adjustment device is used for height and inclination, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adjustment precision is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of adjustment devicesVSAvoidpositioning precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment system is segmented into separate electrical adjustment devices for height and inclination control, allowing each device to be optimized for its specific function and providing independent precision control over vertical and angular positions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9987957B2Armrest for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

An armrest (1) for a motor vehicle has a vehicle-side support (3). An armrest element (5) is arranged on an upper side of the support (3) and is designed to be adjustable relative to the support (3) The armrest (1) has a further functional element arranged on the upper side of the support (3) at a distance from the armrest element (5) and is designed to be adjustable relative to the support (3).