Center Upper Tray Asymmetric Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional center upper trays are prone to undesirable opening due to inertial force and head impact, failing to meet safety regulations and complicating the manufacturing process with multiple locking components.
Innovation Solution
A center upper tray design featuring a horizontally sliding knob with a hook-shaped latching portion and corresponding latching groove, assisted by an elastic spring for returning to the original position, and guide protrusions and rails for stable movement, ensuring the opening direction differs from inertial and impact forces, thus preventing unintended opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the opening direction of the knob coincides with the applied direction of inertial force, then the center upper tray can be opened easily by pulling the knob, but the center upper tray is undesirably opened when inertial force testing is performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the opening direction of the knob to be perpendicular to the direction of inertial force and head impact. This asymmetric arrangement ensures that the force required to open the tray against inertial or impact forces is significantly increased, preventing unintended opening while maintaining ease of operation in the intended direction
2Ease of operation
If the opening direction of the knob coincides with the applied direction of head impact, then the center upper tray can be opened easily, but the knob is rotated by head impact causing the center upper tray to be undesirably opened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the knob opening direction perpendicular to the head impact direction, creating an asymmetric relationship that prevents head impact from rotating the knob and releasing the latching portion, thereby eliminating the harmful effect while preserving operational ease
3Reliability
If a conventional locking member with multiple components is used, then the center upper tray can be locked securely, but the number of assembly steps increases deteriorating manufacturing efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple locking components into a single integrated locking member that includes the knob, latching portion, and latching rod as one piece. This consolidation maintains secure locking functionality while eliminating separate assembly steps for multiple components, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency
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
The design effectively prevents undesirable opening under inertial and head impact conditions, enhancing safety compliance and simplifying the manufacturing process by reducing the number of components and assembly steps.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic spring for returning to the original position
Data Source
AI summary
A center upper tray having an improved locking structure so that the tray is not undesirably opened by inertial force and head impact and efficiency in manufacturing the center upper tray is improved. The center upper tray is installed in front of front seats of a vehicle, and includes a center upper tray housing having an opened upper surface for forming a designated receiving space therein; a door rotatably connected to one side of the center upper tray housing for covering the receiving space; a knob formed at one side of the upper surface of the door such that the knob can move horizontally, and having a latching portion at the lower portion thereof; and a latching groove formed in the center upper tray housing such that the latching groove corresponds to the latching portion of the knob, and selectively connected to the latching portion of the knob according to the horizontal movement of the knob.