Adjustable Bracket Assembly for Vehicle Overhead Console Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle bracket assemblies lack adaptability and flexibility, particularly in accommodating varying vehicle heights and occupant interactions with overhead consoles, which can lead to instability and reduced rigidity during use.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly with a base having a snap tab and retention tab system that allows supports to be hingedly coupled between a raised and lowered position, providing adjustable engagement with the vehicle's ceiling and roof, ensuring stability and rigidity while accommodating different vehicle configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a fixed height brace is used in the bracket assembly, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to various vehicle heights deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The support is designed with a hinged connection that allows it to rotate between a raised position (providing support) and a lowered position (flush with base). This dynamic adjustment enables the bracket assembly to adapt to different vehicle heights and overhead console configurations while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through a single base design.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the support is positioned in a raised position, then the stability of overhead console is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional engagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The support is segmented into distinct functional elements: a hinged connection for position adjustment, a retention tab for securing in the raised position, and a snap tab with receiving member for engagement/disengagement. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function simply, reducing overall complexity while achieving stable overhead console support.
3Device complexity
If a fixed bracket assembly is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability during occupant interaction deteriorates due to lack of adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged support provides dynamic adjustability between raised and lowered positions, allowing the bracket assembly to adapt to different vehicle configurations and overhead console positions. This ensures reliable support during occupant interaction while maintaining a relatively simple overall bracket structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention tab is designed to automatically engage with the base when the support is in the raised position, preliminarily securing the support before actual overhead console installation. This preliminary engagement ensures reliability during subsequent occupant interactions without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket assembly comprises a body that includes a base that has a first end and a second end. The bracket assembly further includes a receiving member that is coupled to the first end of the base, and an engagement portion that is defined by the second end of the base. A support is operably coupled to the engagement portion between a raised position and a lowered position, and includes a retention tab that is proximate to the engagement portion.