Composite Pendulum Latch for Quiet Vehicle Armrest Lids
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage lid mechanisms with pendulums can produce undesirable rattling noises due to interactions with adjacent components, which compromises the quietness of the vehicle environment.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly featuring a pendulum with a rigid core and soft bumpers of different hardness, where the pendulum pivots via gravity to lock or release the lid, preventing unwanted opening and damping noise through the soft bumpers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid pendulum is used for latch retention, then the locking function is reliable, but rattling noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pendulum is constructed as a composite structure with a rigid core (providing locking reliability) and an outer layer of softer material (reducing rattling noise). This composite design allows the pendulum to maintain structural integrity for reliable latching while the softer outer layer dampens vibrations and eliminates harmful rattling sounds during vehicle operation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If a soft pendulum is used to reduce noise, then rattling noise is dampened, but the locking reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pendulum combines a rigid core structure with a softer outer material layer. The rigid core maintains sufficient stiffness to provide reliable locking engagement, while the softer outer layer absorbs vibrations and reduces rattling noise. This composite material approach resolves the contradiction by distributing different functional requirements to different material layers.
3Reliability
If a pendulum is added to prevent lid opening in stowed position, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pendulum is designed to automatically position itself based on gravity and the relative motion between the armrest assembly and storage bin. When the armrest is in the stowed position, the pendulum naturally swings to engage the latch, preventing lid opening without requiring additional actuators, sensors, or control systems. This self-service mechanism adds safety while minimizing increases in device complexity.
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
Effectively prevents the lid from opening when the storage bin is in a stowed position while reducing rattling sounds, enhancing the quietness and functionality of the vehicle storage system.
Implementation Method 1
The pendulum may pivot via gravity between a latch lock position and a latch release position
Implementation Method 2
another portion defining at least one soft bumper, which may allow for damping of noise (e.g., rattling)
Data Source
AI summary
An armrest assembly for use on a vehicle seat and a method of manufacturing an armrest assembly that includes a co-extruded pendulum having a rigid core and at least one soft bumper. The pendulum operatively engages armrest components to selectively restrict opening of a lid on the armrest assembly.