Vehicle Console Armrest with Single Knob Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle consoles with adjustable armrests have complex structures, increased dead space, and compromised aesthetics due to multiple locking and unlocking mechanisms, which hinder user convenience and storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle console with an adjustable armrest featuring a single operation knob that controls latch members to provide lock, semi-lock, and unlock modes, reducing the number of components and manufacturing steps, while minimizing the base member's size and dead space, and maintaining a smooth exterior surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple locking and unlocking mechanisms are used to control the armrest, then the armrest can be securely locked and unlocked, but the structure becomes complex and the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking and unlocking mechanisms into a single integrated operation knob. The operation knob simultaneously controls the pawl member for locking the armrest to the console box and the slide member for locking the armrest in its sliding position. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components while maintaining reliable locking and unlocking capabilities.
2Reliability
If the base member extends over the entire length of the box body to accommodate the locking device, then the locking device can be properly positioned, but the dead space between the base member and lid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the locking mechanism from the traditional fore-end location to the side surface of the box body. The pawl member and catch member are arranged laterally rather than longitudinally, allowing the base member to be shorter while still providing effective locking. This dimensional change eliminates the need for the base member to extend across the entire length of the box body, thereby reducing dead space.
3Reliability
If the catch member is formed in the box body to engage with the pawl member, then the locking device can function properly, but the catch member projects into the storage well and impairs the appearance
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the catch member project outward from the box body to engage the pawl member, the patent inverts the arrangement by having the pawl member engage the catch member from the opposite direction. The catch member is recessed into the box body rather than projecting outward, eliminating the aesthetic impairment while maintaining reliable locking engagement.
4Ease of operation
If a single operation knob is used to control both locking and sliding functions, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mechanism requires precise coordination of multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cam mechanism that performs preliminary actions to coordinate the locking and sliding functions. The cam profile is designed to automatically sequence the engagement of the pawl member with the catch member and the positioning of the slide member in the groove, ensuring proper coordination without requiring complex control systems. This preliminary mechanical sequencing simplifies the overall operation while maintaining precise functional coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle console with an adjustable armrest has a single operation knob at a fore-end of an armrest to open and close a storage well and to adjust position of an armrest for individual vehicle drivers. The armrest includes a pair of latch members driven by the operation knob. When the operation knob is at the end of the downward rotation, the latch members are inserted into catch holes in the console box, and the armrest is fixed to the console box in a “lock mode”. When the operation knob is halfway from the “lock mode”, the latch members are drawn out of the catch holes but remain in grooves in the console box in a “semi-lock mode”, wherein the armrest can slide along the grooves but cannot open the storage well. When the operation knob is drawn up to the end of the upward direction, the latch members are drawn out of the grooves and the armrest is in a “unlock mode” and the storage well can open and close.