Vehicle Console Cover Pivot Joint with Cam Ramp Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components with storage compartments face challenges in maintaining a consistent fit and ease of access, particularly in the mechanism coupling the cover to the base, which affects the ease of opening and closing the storage compartment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a pivot joint with a projection and ramp mechanism that allows the cover to rotate between closed and open positions, where the projection engages different surfaces at various positions to facilitate smooth movement and reduce the required opening force, ensuring a consistent fit and easy access to the storage compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple hinge joint is used to couple the cover to the base, then the device complexity is reduced, but the consistency of fit and ease of opening are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The joint mechanism transitions from a static hinge to a dynamic cam-follower system where the projection moves along different surfaces (first surface, ramp, second surface) during rotation. This dynamic interaction enables variable mechanical advantage throughout the opening stroke, reducing opening force while maintaining consistent fit when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the geometric parameters of engagement during rotation. The projection engages different surfaces at different rotation angles, altering the mechanical properties of the joint. When closed, the projection engages the first surface for secure fitting; during opening, it traverses the ramp to reduce required force; when fully open, it engages the second surface.
2Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is used to maintain consistent fit, then the fit consistency is improved, but the ease of opening is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism employs periodic engagement characteristics where the projection sequentially interacts with different surfaces during the rotation cycle. The cam profile is designed to provide secure engagement at closed position, then periodically reduces engagement strength during the opening transition through the ramp portion, allowing easy opening while maintaining fit consistency when closed.
3Ease of operation
If a complex mechanism with multiple engagement surfaces is used, then the ease of opening is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated joint mechanism. The projection and its engagement surfaces (first surface, ramp, second surface) combine locking, force-reduction, and positioning functions in one compact assembly, avoiding the need for separate locking mechanisms and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection acts as an intermediary element between the cover and base, mediating the interaction through its movement along different surfaces. This single intermediary component enables complex mechanical behavior (secure closing, easy opening) without requiring multiple separate mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 mechanism that maintains a consistent fit between the cover and the base, reduces the required opening force, and facilitates easy access to the storage compartment, enhancing user experience and design aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The mechanism may be configured so that the projection engages the ramp as the cover is rotated between the closed position and the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior component comprising a cover rotatably coupled to a base at a pivot joint is disclosed. The component may comprise a mechanism comprising a projection engaging a first surface when the cover is closed and engaging a ramp as the cover is rotated between closed and open positions. The pivot joint may comprise an axle to provide an axis of rotation. The pivot joint may comprise the projection on the axle. One of the projection and the ramp may slide along the other as the cover opens and/or closes. The mechanism may comprise a cam surface and a follower. The base and/or cover may flex at the pivot joint. The cover may comprise a door, bin or sunglass bin. The component may comprise a console, center stack/console, floor console, overhead console, instrument panel, door panel, etc.