One-Piece Console Mounting Bracket for Lateral Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting brackets for automotive consoles are inadequate in supporting taller consoles against lateral forces, leading to increased manufacturing and material costs, as well as additional weight and installation costs when additional brackets are added to address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket with a base attached to the vehicle floor, a central leg extending upwardly, a horizontal top with a fastener opening, and a vertical side flange that abuts the console sidewall to provide lateral support, constructed from a one-piece metal with planar midsections and ribs for rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the console wall thickness is increased at the point of contact between the mounting bracket and the console, then the support for lateral forces is improved, but the manufacturing and material costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates a side flange that provides localized reinforcement at the console sidewall interface. This flange concentrates the lateral force support function at the specific location where it is needed, rather than requiring increased wall thickness throughout the entire console. The side flange acts as a local structural enhancement that addresses the lateral support requirement without the need to increase overall console material usage or manufacturing complexity.
2Strength
If additional brackets are added between the console and the vehicle floor, then the support for lateral forces is improved, but the vehicle cost and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket design merges multiple functions into a single integrated component. The side flange is attached to the top of the central leg, combining the vertical support function of the leg with the lateral support function of the flange. This integration eliminates the need for separate additional brackets to provide lateral support, thereby reducing the total number of parts, decreasing vehicle weight, and simplifying installation while still providing adequate lateral force support for tall consoles.
3Strength
If additional brackets are added between the console and the vehicle floor, then the support for lateral forces is improved, but the installation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side flange is attached to the top of the central leg, combining the vertical support function of the leg with the lateral support function of the flange. This integration eliminates the need for separate additional brackets to provide lateral support, thereby reducing the total number of parts, decreasing vehicle weight, and simplifying installation while still providing adequate lateral force support for tall consoles.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting bracket for an automotive console of an automotive vehicle having at least one sidewall which extends upwardly from the floor of a vehicle. The mounting bracket includes a base adapted for connection to the floor of the vehicle. A central leg extends upwardly from the base and has a top attached to its upper end. The top includes a portion which lies in a substantially horizontal plane and is adapted for connection to the console. In addition, a side flange is attached to and extends outwardly from the top and abuts against the console sidewall to provide additional lateral support. The mounting bracket is of a one-piece construction.