Center Console Sliding Cover Locking for Crash-Safe Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing center console storage compartment covers in vehicles lack a mechanism to securely keep the cover stationary during accidents or sudden decelerations, as they are either rolling shutter-type without locking mechanisms or hinged covers that cannot be moved.
Innovation Solution
A sliding cover system for a center console with a guide device, holding element, actuating element, and deflecting device, allowing the cover to be slid in a guided manner only when intentionally released, featuring a rotating element and lever arms to ensure secure locking and intuitive operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rolling shutter-type cover is used, then the cover can be opened and closed easily, but the cover cannot be securely locked during accidents or sudden decelerations
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is segmented into a cover body and a separate locking mechanism with holding elements. The locking mechanism includes multiple holding elements that can engage with corresponding receptacles at different positions, allowing the cover to remain securely locked during accidents while maintaining ease of operation through the actuating element.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static rolling shutter design to a dynamic system where holding elements can be actively engaged or disengaged. The deflecting device enables the holding elements to move between locked and unlocked positions, providing adaptive security that responds to user intent while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If a hinged cover with folding mechanism is used, then the cover can be locked mechanically, but the cover cannot be moved in the center console
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to slide along guide rails within the center console, transitioning from a fixed hinged position to a movable sliding mechanism. The locking mechanism with holding elements engages at different positions along the sliding path, enabling the cover to move freely when unlocked while maintaining secure locking at desired positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide rails act as an intermediary mechanism between the cover and the center console, enabling smooth sliding motion. The holding elements serve as intermediaries that engage with receptacles at specific positions, providing mechanical locking without restricting the overall movability of the cover within the guided path.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the cover, then the cover can be secured during accidents, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the cover structure itself, with holding elements integrated into the cover body and deflecting device formed as part of the cover assembly. This integration reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the security function, as the locking mechanism shares structural elements with the cover rather than being a completely separate system.
4Device complexity
If the cover is made stationary and cannot be moved, then the locking mechanism is simpler, but the cover lacks adaptability for different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple holding elements positioned at different locations along the sliding path, each capable of engaging with corresponding receptacles. This segmentation allows the cover to be locked at multiple positions while maintaining a relatively simple locking mechanism design, as each holding element operates independently through the deflecting device.
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 sliding cover system securely stores objects during accidents or sudden decelerations, providing intuitive operation and secure locking mechanisms to prevent unintended opening, while allowing easy installation and high manufacturing tolerance.
Implementation Method 1
a deflecting device (11) for transmitting the release movement (10) from the actuating element (6) to the holding element (5)
Implementation Method 2
a guide device (20) for sliding the sliding cover (2, 3) in a guided manner
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding cover (2) for a center console (1) of a motor vehicle has a guide device (20) for sliding the sliding cover (2) in a guided manner. A holding element (5) holds the sliding cover (2) in one position. An actuating element (6) releases the holding element (5) by means of a release movement (10), and a deflecting device (11) transmits the release movement between the actuating element (6) and the holding element (5). The deflecting device (11) comprises a sliding element (2) and a rotating element (13) arranged on the sliding cover (2). The sliding cover (2) can be slid in a guided manner by means of the guide device (20) when the holding element (5) is released.