Vehicle Armrest Module With Pivotable Pad For HMI

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle armrests with limited positional adjustment fail to ensure occupant comfort and easy access to the human-machine interface, particularly in varying adjustment positions.

Innovation Solution

An armrest module with a pivotable pad supported by a connecting rod, allowing movement along two perpendicular axes and translation along the armrest arm, to position the human-machine interface for optimal visibility and accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the armrest is simply mounted on the backrest and pivotable about a transverse axis, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ease of operation and accessibility to the human-machine interface deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearmrest mounting complexityVSAvoidaccessibility to human-machine interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest is divided into two functional segments: a fixed base portion mounted on the backrest and a movable pad portion that can pivot independently about two perpendicular axes. This segmentation allows the pad to be adjusted separately from the entire armrest assembly, improving accessibility to the human-machine interface without requiring complex mounting mechanisms for the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pad is designed with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to pivot about a first axis (transverse to the seat) and a second axis (longitudinal to the seat). This dynamic positioning system enables the pad and human-machine interface to be oriented optimally for different occupant positions and preferences, significantly improving ease of operation and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the armrest has limited positional adjustment, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different occupant positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearmrest adjustment mechanism complexityVSAvoidadaptation to occupant position

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The pad incorporates two independent pivot axes that enable dynamic adjustment to multiple positions. The first axis allows transverse rotation while the second axis enables longitudinal rotation, creating a versatile positioning system that can adapt to various occupant sizes, seating positions, and preferences without requiring an overly complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustment mechanism transitions from single-axis rotation to dual-axis rotation, adding another dimension of movement. This dimensional expansion allows the pad to reach a greater variety of positions in three-dimensional space, significantly improving adaptability to different occupant configurations while maintaining reasonable mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentUS11285850B2Armrest module with human-machine interface for vehicle seat

Publication Date: 2022.03.29 FAURECIA INTERIEUR IND

AI summary

An armrest module for a motor vehicle. The armrest module includes an armrest arm able to support the arm of an occupant of the motor vehicle, the armrest arm extending primarily in a longitudinal direction (X); a pad, the pad being pivotable relative to the armrest arm about two axes (A1, A2) which are perpendicular to each other, the two axes (A1, A2) also being perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (X) of the armrest arm; and a human-machine interface provided by the pad.