Power Sliding Armrest - A New Level Of Luxury In Cars

We have been very successful in integrating many functional elements into our rail systems , which often have to be designed and supplied externally in our competitors' systems.

One of Accuride's recent projects was the development of an electrically operated sliding armrest for a luxury vehicle. In addition to its ergonomic features, the armrest also serves as a small storage compartment which the driver and passenger can easily access.

Unlike armrests with manual adjustment which must be fitted with locking or locking systems to hold them at different hard points, this electrically controlled armrest moves automatically to the different hard points, or can be put in the intermediate position by the driver.

In addition, the driver can select the position of the cup holder. It is then accessible, while the compartment below remains closed.

Thanks to this compact design, the Accuride slide system requires no compromise when it comes to the shape or the trim of the car armrest cushion.

This additional comfort element leads to a small penalty in terms of weight, compared to traditional systems, but on the other hand, the system is surprisingly light thanks to the judicious use of aluminum and plastic. The engine and sensors are connected to the car by an automotive grade harness and connector.

Accuride developed this sliding armrest in close collaboration with the client's engineers. They have optimized the design, as well as the manufacturability in order to achieve a compact slide design, yet economical and elegant.

Speaking of the development project, Mike Harvey, the chief engineer at Accuride, said:
"As it was an entirely new armrest concept, the automaker and our design team were advancing into unknown territory with this project.

We have developed excellent working relationships with our client, providing mutual support throughout the project. With communications flowing freely, all challenges were quickly and efficiently resolved, and culminated in this great product of which we are all justifiably proud.

All engineers love to take on new challenges, and this project certainly gave me food for thought. The excellent relationship we have had with our client is one reason why this project is one of the best projects in which I have had the pleasure of participating.

As a project manager, this particular development presented a truly special challenge. Accuride acting as a tier 1 supplier, we therefore approached the car manufacturer directly. Since an electrical system has many more parts obtained from the outside than a traditional car slide, the emphasis on developing the supply chain was much more pronounced than in traditional projects.

Thanks to the team which included Accuride staff members and the client, we succeeded in meeting this challenge and we presented the project on time and with the expected level of quality. "

As with Accuride's mechanical armrest slides, this electric sliding system is assembled on a semi-automatic machine, to then be automatically controlled 100% by a dedicated system. The figures recorded during the control are 100% traceable by referring to the label affixed on the slide.

This system fulfills the operating and crash resistance specifications specified by the manufacturer allowing the console to pass the crash test by holding the cover in place.

If the cost of the electric control is obviously higher than the cost of a traditional sliding hand system, it combines the cost of several potentially expensive locking and unlocking systems.

In addition, it allows tier 1 suppliers and car manufacturers to offer their customers a completely new level of comfort, which clearly sets them apart in the competitive luxury vehicle market.Add paragraph text here.