Bidirectional Console Lid Structure for Two-Sided Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional consoles are inconvenient as they allow access to the storage space only from one side, limiting access for both the driver and passenger.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectionally openable console with a center lid portion that can be opened in either direction, featuring a hinge structure, fastening units, locking units, and button units to facilitate rotation and secure closure, allowing access from both sides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a console is configured to be openable in one direction, then the structure is simple, but access is limited to one side only
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing it to switch between different opening directions (left-side opening, right-side opening, or both sides opening) based on user needs. This dynamic capability enables the lid to adapt to different access requirements without requiring multiple fixed structures, thereby improving ease of operation while controlling complexity through a single adaptable mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid structure serves multiple functions: it can open to the left side, open to the right side, or open both sides simultaneously. This multi-functionality allows a single lid structure to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate access mechanisms, improving accessibility for both driver and passenger while maintaining structural efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If a bidirectionally openable lid is implemented, then access from both sides is enabled, but the hinge structure must strongly support rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge support function is segmented between two components: the hinge unit provides the rotational connection, while the fastening unit provides the locking and support function. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the fastening unit's central shaft portion providing strong support during rotation without requiring the hinge unit itself to be overly robust.
Solution Approach 2:
The central shaft portion of the fastening unit acts as an intermediary element between the hinge unit and the lid. During opening operation, this shaft portion rotates within the hinge unit, providing a mechanical advantage that distributes the rotational load and reduces the strength requirements of the hinge unit while still enabling strong bidirectional support.
3Reliability
If fastening units with rotating shaft portions are used, then secure closure is achieved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening unit combines multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism: the central shaft portion simultaneously provides locking engagement with the lid, rotational movement within the hinge unit, and support during opening operation. This merging of functions reduces the overall number of separate components needed, thereby improving closure security while controlling mechanism complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectionally openable console includes side lid portions, a center lid portion positioned between the side lid portions, a first button unit positioned at a front end of the center lid portion, a second button unit positioned at a rear end of the center lid portion, and rotary units configured to be respectively rotated by movement of the first and second button units. The console further includes: fastening units, each of which is constructed such that, when an opening request input is applied to a corresponding button unit, a corresponding rotary unit is rotated to retract a central shaft portion into the center lid portion; hinge units, each of which is rotated together with the center lid portion when the center lid portion is opened, and locking units, each of which restricts movement of the fastening unit when the center lid portion is closed.