Blocking Pin Mechanism for Drawer Slowing and Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current storage devices in vehicles, such as glove boxes, require complex and costly structures to slow and lock the drawer at the end of its travel, with separate components for slowing and locking, leading to inefficiencies and increased manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A blocking device with a movable blocking pin and a stressing element, where the pin is initially moved to an intermediate position to slow the drawer's movement and then to a blocked position to lock it, using a spring and actuating element to exert forces in different directions, simplifying the mechanism and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate components (air retarder for slowing, spring plunger or push-push system for locking) are used to perform slowing and blocking functions, then the slowing and blocking functions can be achieved, but the structure becomes complicated and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the slowing function and blocking function into a single integrated mechanism. The blocking pin serves dual purposes: it provides slowing action through its interaction with the drawer at intermediate positions, and it provides blocking action when engaged with the stop element at the end position. This eliminates the need for separate air retarder and spring plunger components, directly resolving the technical contradiction between achieving reliable slowing/blocking functions and reducing structure complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking pin is designed as a multi-functional element that performs both slowing and blocking operations. During drawer movement, the pin interacts with the drawer body to provide damping slowing effect. When the drawer reaches its open position, the same pin engages with the stop element to provide robust blocking. This universal element replaces multiple specialized components, reducing both structural complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining functional reliability
2Reliability
If separate components are used for slowing and locking, then the functions are performed, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the slowing and blocking functions into a single blocking pin mechanism, eliminating the need for separate air retarder and spring plunger components. This consolidation reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked, directly lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the required slowing and blocking functions
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking pin serves as a universal component that performs both slowing and blocking operations, replacing multiple specialized parts. This multi-functionality reduces bill of materials costs, simplifies supply chain management, and reduces assembly operations, all of which contribute to lower manufacturing costs while ensuring reliable function performance
3Device complexity
If the drawer is allowed to move freely without slowing mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the drawer opens abruptly causing contents to be ejected and reducing user perception quality
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking pin is integrated into the drawer assembly in such a way that it provides slowing action during normal operation without requiring separate complex damping mechanisms. The pin's interaction with the drawer body creates friction-based damping that controls the opening speed, providing smooth operation and preventing content ejection while maintaining relatively simple structure
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking pin utilizes the drawer's own movement and weight to generate the slowing effect. As the drawer opens under gravity, the blocking pin naturally interacts with the drawer body to create friction and resistance, providing self-regulating damping without requiring external power sources or complex active control systems. This maintains structural simplicity while improving ease of operation and user perception quality
4Device complexity
If no blocking mechanism is provided, then the structure is simple, but the drawer may close untimely and lacks robustness impression
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking pin is designed to perform both slowing and blocking functions in an integrated manner. When the drawer reaches its fully open position, the blocking pin engages with the stop element to provide positive mechanical blocking, preventing untimely closure. This integrated design achieves reliable blocking function without requiring separate locking mechanisms, maintaining structural simplicity while ensuring the drawer remains securely open
5Device complexity
If the blocking pin is held entirely by friction without stressing element, then the structure is simpler, but the blocking pin may not reliably return to blocked position under all operating conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The stressing element (spring) provides dynamic force to the blocking pin, ensuring it actively returns to the blocked position after being actuated. This spring-loaded mechanism compensates for friction variations and ensures reliable positioning under different operating conditions, while the overall structure remains relatively simple compared to using multiple actuators or complex positioning systems
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
This solution allows for both slowing and locking of the drawer using a single device, enhancing user experience by preventing abrupt opening and closure, while reducing the complexity and cost of the storage device.
Implementation Method 1
a spring extending between the first and second ends and being arranged to exert the stressing force on the blocking pin
Data Source
AI summary
A blocking device that includes a blocking pin movable on the first element between an unblocked position and a blocked position, and an actuating element secured to the second element and arranged to move the blocking pin. The blocking pin is fastened to the first element by a stressing element arranged to exert a force stressing the blocking pin toward its unblocked position between the unblocked position and an intermediate position of the blocking pin, and to exert a force stressing the blocking pin toward its blocked position between the intermediate position and the blocked position of the blocking pin.