Vehicle Console Cover Blocking Mechanism Against Inertial Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components lack an effective mechanism to prevent covers from inadvertently opening during external forces, such as inertia, which can lead to unintended access or loss of stored items.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a base with a bin and a cover that includes a mechanism to move from a retracted to an extended position, blocking the cover from opening, utilizing a blocker and cam surface to secure the cover in place, and a spring to bias the blocker into a blocking position, preventing the cover from moving from an unlatched to an open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cover is made movable to facilitate access to the compartment, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates because the cover may inadvertently open during external forces such as inertia
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is designed to dynamically respond to external forces. The blocker can be displaced from its blocking position when sufficient force is applied, allowing the cover to open, and automatically returns to the blocking position when the force is removed, providing adaptive protection without compromising intentional access
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the resistance parameter to cover movement based on external conditions. Under normal conditions, the blocker provides high resistance to prevent inadvertent opening. When external force exceeds the spring bias, the parameter changes to allow movement, and returns to high resistance when the force is removed
2Reliability
If a blocking mechanism is added to prevent inadvertent opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking mechanism is self-regulating through the spring-blocker interaction. The spring automatically biases the blocker into the blocking position, and the blocker automatically displaces and returns based on external forces applied to the cover, without requiring external control systems or additional actuators
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking function is merged with the existing cover structure. The blocker integrates with the cover or base, and the spring is positioned to work within the existing mechanism space, combining multiple functions (blocking, returning, biasing) into a unified compact assembly rather than adding separate independent systems
3Reliability
If the cover is held in a blocked position to prevent opening, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because intentional opening requires additional force
Solution Approach 1:
The blocker provides preliminary resistance to cover movement in the normal operating range, preventing inadvertent opening during routine vehicle operations. This preliminary anti-action only applies when external forces are within normal ranges, and automatically disengages when intentional opening force is applied
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 effectively prevents the cover from opening unintentionally, ensuring secure storage and access control by maintaining the cover in a blocked position until intentionally opened by the user, enhancing operational safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism may comprise a spring configured to bias the blocker
Implementation Method 2
The cover may comprise a cam surface configured to move the blocker
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base comprising a bin; a cover moveable from a closed to an open position through an unlatched position; and a mechanism moveable to an extended position to prevent the cover from opening when subjected to an inertial force. The mechanism may hold the cover in a blocked position partially uncovering the bin. The mechanism may be re-set by opening the cover. The mechanism may comprise a blocker to prevent the cover from moving from the unlatched position to the open position. The cover may comprise a cam surface configured to move the blocker to re-set the mechanism and allow the cover to open. The cover may comprise an interface/bottom surface accessible when the cover is blocked by the mechanism. The component may comprise a console; storage compartment; instrument panel; floor console; or center console.