Dual-Swing Console Box Lid With Independent Hinge Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicular console boxes with dual swing-mode lids have complex release mechanisms, leading to a cumbersome and inefficient operation.

Innovation Solution

A vehicular console box design featuring a lid connected via left and right hinge devices with integrated release devices that prevent simultaneous actuation, allowing smooth and simplified operation through a control member that ensures each hinge device actuating mechanism is released independently.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dual swing-mode lid with separate right and left release devices is used, then the lid can be opened in multiple directions, but the release mechanism becomes complex and operations become cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid opening directionsVSAvoidrelease mechanism structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the right and left release devices into a single integrated release mechanism. The single release device includes a pressing portion that can press either the right or left side of the control member, thereby controlling both hinge device actuating mechanisms through one unified structure rather than requiring separate release devices for each side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single release device serves multiple functions: it can release either the right hinge device actuating mechanism or the left hinge device actuating mechanism depending on which side is pressed, and it also controls the engagement state of the engagement protrusion with the engagement groove. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate release devices while maintaining dual swing-mode capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate right and left release devices are used for each hinge device actuating mechanism, then each mechanism can be controlled independently, but the number of parts increases and structure becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent mechanism controlVSAvoidnumber of parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the right release device and left release device into a single release device. The control member has a right pressing portion and a left pressing portion, allowing independent control of each hinge device actuating mechanism through a single unified component rather than requiring two separate release devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

While the release device is unified, the control member is segmented into distinct right and left pressing portions that can be operated independently. The engagement protrusion is also segmented to engage with different positions on the control member depending on which side is pressed, maintaining independent control capability through functional segmentation rather than physical separation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a single release device controls both hinge device actuating mechanisms, then the structure is simplified, but it may be difficult to prevent simultaneous actuation of both mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease device structureVSAvoidprevention of simultaneous release

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates an engagement protrusion on the control member that engages with an engagement groove on the lid inner member in the closed state. This preliminary engagement prevents the control member from moving in a way that would simultaneously actuate both hinge device actuating mechanisms. The engagement structure is designed to disengage only when one side is pressed, thereby preventing simultaneous release through a built-in mechanical constraint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

4Ease of manufacture

If the release devices are positioned close together to simplify structure, then manufacturing is easier, but the devices may interfere with each other during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverelease device positioningVSAvoiddevice interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control member has different local properties on its right and left sides. The right pressing portion and left pressing portion are designed with different engagement characteristics with the engagement protrusion. When one side is pressed, the local engagement geometry allows movement in one direction while the other side's engagement geometry prevents movement, thereby preventing interference between the two sides even when positioned close together.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250353438A1Console box

Publication Date: 2025.11.20 KOJIMA INDUSTRIES CORP

AI summary

A console box may include a main body having an opening, and a lid connected to the main body via a left hinge device and a right hinge device and configured to open and close the opening in a dual swing-mode. The lid includes a left hinge device actuating mechanism for actuating the left hinge device, a right hinge device actuating mechanism for actuating the right hinge device, a left release device linked to the left hinge device actuating mechanism and configured to release the left hinge device actuating mechanism by pressing, a right release device linked to the right hinge device actuating mechanism and configured to release the right hinge device actuating mechanism by pressing, and a control member configured to selectively control a movement of each of the right and left release devices.