Console Box Latch Assembly With Rotor-Driven Claw Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latch assemblies for vehicle console assemblies are not optimized for efficient and reliable latching and unlatching of the lid, leading to potential misalignment and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly with a rotor and latch claw mechanism that includes a pin for rotational support, alignment surfaces for maintaining claw alignment, and a resilient member for secure latching, along with a link member and actuator handle for controlled disengagement, ensuring precise and reliable lid operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the alignment precision and operational reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is divided into distinct functional components: a rotor for rotational movement, a latch claw for engagement, a link member for motion transmission, and an actuator handle for user input. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining precise alignment through the pin-supported rotation mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The link member acts as an intermediary between the actuator handle and the rotor, transmitting motion precisely while maintaining alignment. The pin serves as an intermediary support that enables smooth rotation of the rotor while maintaining positional accuracy, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and precision.
2Ease of operation
If the latch claw moves in a direction perpendicular to the rotor axis, then the disengagement becomes easier, but the alignment maintenance becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism uses dynamic rotational movement of the rotor about a vertical axis rather than simple linear translation. This dynamic approach allows the latch claw to move perpendicular to the rotor axis for easy disengagement while the pin support dynamically maintains alignment throughout the rotation arc, accommodating both ease of operation and precision requirements.
3Ease of operation
If the rotor is freely rotatable, then the operation is smoother, but the positional stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism changes the rotational parameter from free rotation to constrained rotation about a fixed pin axis. This parameter change enables smooth operation through the pinned rotation while maintaining positional stability by preventing deviation from the designated rotation path. The resilient member further stabilizes the neutral position while allowing controlled movement.
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 solution provides a robust and efficient latching mechanism that maintains alignment and facilitates easy disengagement, enhancing the operational reliability and user experience of vehicle console assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient member is configured to urge the rotor against the abutment surface of the end portion
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~4a
Figure 4b~5a
AI summary
A latch assembly for latching lid to a box body of a console assembly for a motor vehicle is provided. The latch assembly comprises: a latch claw movably supported within the latch assembly for selectively engaging an opening in the box body to latch the lid to the box body; a rotor, mounted on the lid for rotation about a rotor axis, wherein the latch claw is coupled to the rotor such that rotation of the rotor urges the latch claw to move into and out of the opening, e.g. to engage and disengage the opening; a link member arranged to couple the rotor to an actuator handle of the latch assembly; and the actuator handle moveably, e.g. pivotally, mountable on the lid, e.g. for movement about a pivot axis, wherein the actuator handle and link member are arranged such that moving, e.g. pivoting, the actuator handle causes the link member to urge the rotor to rotate about the rotor axis and move the latch claw in direction perpendicular to the rotor axis to disengage from the opening.