Vehicle Armrest Locking Assembly with Independent Base Bin Engagement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage compartment locking systems often interact with latch mechanisms, resulting in a less robust locking arrangement that can be prone to abusive latch loads and unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A separate and independent locking assembly for vehicle storage compartments that engages directly with the base bin, utilizing a housing, lock link, and rotatable locking arms, which are operated by a vehicle key to transition between locked and unlocked positions without affecting the latch mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the locking assembly interacts with the latch mechanism, then the locking system can be integrated into a single mechanism, but the locking arrangement becomes less robust and more prone to abusive latch loads
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into two independent components: a locking assembly that engages with the base bin and a separate latch mechanism that engages with the door. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, preventing abusive loads from compromising the entire locking system and enabling the locking assembly to provide robust security without being constrained by latch mechanism limitations.
2Reliability
If the locking assembly prevents door movement when locked, then security is improved, but the latch mechanism becomes immobile and cannot function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the security function (locking assembly preventing door removal) from the latching function (latch mechanism holding door closed). When the locking assembly is engaged, it secures the door to the base bin while the latch mechanism remains independently movable, allowing users to operate the latch for normal door closure and opening operations without interference from the locking mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking assembly acts as an intermediary security layer between the door and base bin, providing additional protection without interfering with the latch mechanism's operation. The latch mechanism continues to function as the primary door holding mechanism, while the locking assembly provides secondary security that can be independently engaged and disengaged.
3Reliability
If a separate and independent locking assembly is used, then locking retention is enhanced and abusive latch loads are avoided, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly integrates multiple functions into a single unit: it provides primary locking engagement with the base bin, incorporates a key-operated lock mechanism, and includes linkage to coordinate with the door movement. This merging of functions reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall structure despite the enhanced security capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle storage compartment includes a base bin defining a storage cavity and configured to couple to a vehicle floor, a door coupled to the base bin and configured to move between a closed position and an open position, the door having a latch mechanism configured to selectively engage the base bin to facilitate maintaining the door in the closed position, and a locking assembly coupled to the door and configured to move between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking assembly is configured to selectively engage the base bin in the locked position to facilitate preventing movement of the door from the closed position to the open position. The locking assembly is separate and independent of the latch mechanism such that the latch mechanism remains movable when the locking assembly is in the locked position.