Bistable Flexible Blade for Vehicle Storage Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage compartments in vehicles often require both hands to open, posing a challenge for users who need to operate the steering wheel, and they lack a bistable mechanism for easy access and content retention.
Innovation Solution
A bistable opening-closing device with a flexible member that has two stability positions, achieved through its natural properties or mounting, allowing for an aesthetic closed position and a fully open position for easy access, using a movable blade or edge that can slide, compress, or change shape to transition between stability states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a storage compartment uses a simple closing device held by a stretched metal blade, then the structure is simple and content retention is achieved, but the user cannot access the compartment with one hand
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by implementing a bistable mechanism that allows the closing device to transition between two stable states (open and closed positions). The flexible blade with protrusions engages with guide slots to create distinct stable positions, enabling the user to easily switch between open and closed states with one hand while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying the physical state of the flexible blade through elastic deformation. The blade can be compressed or extended to transition between stable states, changing its curvature and position parameters. This allows the compartment to switch between fully open and fully closed positions while maintaining the same structural components
2Reliability
If a storage compartment requires both hands to open, then the closing device can be simple, but user safety is compromised when holding the steering wheel
Solution Approach 1:
The bistable mechanism provides self-service functionality where the closing device automatically maintains its position (open or closed) without requiring continuous user input. The elastic blade naturally returns to its stable positions, allowing the user to safely operate the compartment with one hand while the mechanism self-regulates the opening and closing actions
3Ease of operation
If a storage compartment has a stable closed position for aesthetic reasons, then content retention is achieved, but the opening cannot be fully cleared for easy access
Solution Approach 1:
The bistable mechanism enables the closing device to achieve two distinct stable states: one where the flexible blade is engaged with the guide slot to provide a stable closed position for aesthetics and content retention, and another where the blade is disengaged to provide full opening access. The dynamic transition between these states allows both requirements to be satisfied
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables one-handed operation, ensuring safety by allowing users to access or remove objects without releasing the steering wheel, while maintaining content retention in a stable closed position.
Implementation Method 1
the movable member is elastically compressible in the longitudinal direction. Thus, the member can be formed of a helical spring of flattened section or of a rectilinear elastic band with sinuous elements between its lateral edges
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention concerns an opening/closing device. It concerns a bistable device comprising a fixed member (24) delimiting one side of an opening providing access to a compartment, and a flexible mobile member (18), articulated on the fixed member proximate the ends of the access opening. The fixed and mobile members (24, 18) delimit jointly the entire access opening, and the mobile member (18) has two stable positions, one wherein it is adjacent to the fixed member (24), the other wherein only its ends are adjacent to the fixed member (24). The mobile member (18) is elongated and has naturally two stable positions with opposite convexities. The invention is applicable to vehicle passenger compartments.