Vehicle Seat Armrest Assembly with Sliding Console
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Solution Overview
Problem
Second row vehicle seats with fold-down backrests and pivoting armrests often complicate access to the rear of the vehicle, rendering the center occupant space unusable and underutilizing the space below the armrest.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seat design featuring a cushion and console assembly with a pivot and sliding connection for the armrest, allowing it to transform from a stowed position within the center seat cushion to an elevated armrest position, providing storage and ergonomic comfort while maintaining access to the rear space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fold-down backrest and pivoting armrest are provided in the center region, then armrest function and access to rear storage are enabled, but the center occupant space becomes unusable and the region below the armrest is underutilized
Solution Approach 1:
The center console assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides an armrest surface when deployed, creates a storage compartment when the armrest is pivoted down, and maintains the center occupant space configuration. The displacement connection mechanism enables the same structural element to serve different purposes based on its position, resolving the contradiction between armrest functionality and center space usability.
2Ease of operation
If an armrest is pivoted down to provide access to rear storage, then access is enabled, but the center occupant space cannot be used and space below the armrest is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is nested within the center console assembly structure. When the armrest is pivoted down, the storage compartment becomes accessible while the armrest surface remains positioned above it. This nesting arrangement allows both the storage function and center occupant space to coexist without mutual exclusion, as the storage is integrated into the console's internal volume rather than requiring separate space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a cushion and console assembly is disposed in the insert space between cushion portions, then center seat cushion function and storage are provided, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion and console assembly merges the seating cushion function with the storage console function into a single integrated unit. The liner base, armrest assembly, and storage compartment are combined into one assembly that fits within the insert space between the left and right cushion portions. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while providing multiple functions.
4Shape
If the armrest assembly upper surface forms part of the center seat cushion in stowed position, then seamless appearance is achieved, but access to storage requires movement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The armrest assembly is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move between a stowed position where it forms part of the center seat cushion surface and a deployed position where it provides armrest support and storage access. The displacement connection enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the structure to adapt its configuration based on functional requirements while maintaining a seamless appearance in the stowed state.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seat includes a backrest and a seat base connected to the backrest. The seat base includes a first cushion portion and a second cushion portion with an insert space between the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion. A cushion and console assembly is disposed in the insert space. The cushion and console assembly includes a liner base, an armrest assembly and a displacement connection between the armrest assembly and the liner base. The displacement connection guides a movement of the armrest assembly relative to the liner base between a stowed position, in which the armrest assembly upper surface forms at least a part of a center seat cushion, and an armrest position, with the upper surface raised upwardly and at a changed angle relative to the first cushion portion and the second cushion portion.