Vehicle Console Door Bi-Directional Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle console storage compartments often require complex latch mechanisms for dual accessibility, which can be cumbersome and aesthetically unappealing, lacking a seamless transition between closed and open positions.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional latch system with retractable/extendable link pins and a support structure allows the door to be rotatable and slidable, using a single paddle for both functions, ensuring easy access while maintaining a flush, aesthetically pleasing finish.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex latch mechanism is used for dual accessibility, then both rotatable and slidable functions are achieved, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rotatable and slidable door functions into a single integrated door assembly with a unified latch mechanism. The first and second cover portions are locked together through a common latch system that responds to a single actuator, merging two separate access functions into one coordinated mechanism rather than requiring independent latches for each movement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions through a single system: it controls both the rotatable opening of the door and the slidable movement of the second cover portion. The actuator can trigger either rotational or sliding motion based on the mechanical state and cam slot configuration, making the latch mechanism universal for both access methods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex latch mechanism is used for dual accessibility, then both rotatable and slidable functions are achieved, but the appearance lacks a seamless transition between closed and open positions
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second cover portions are merged into a unified door assembly with a continuous outer finished surface. The latch mechanism locks these portions together in the closed position, creating a seamless appearance, while allowing coordinated movement when actuated.
Solution Approach 2:
The door system incorporates dynamic movement capabilities where the second cover portion can slide relative to the first cover portion through cam slots. This dynamic design allows the door to transition smoothly between closed and open positions while maintaining aesthetic continuity, with the sliding portion creating a lap overlap that preserves the finished surface appearance.
3Ease of operation
If the second cover portion is slidable to provide easy access, then user convenience is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second cover portion is designed to slide dynamically along cam slots in the support structure, enabling easy access without requiring full door rotation. This sliding motion is guided by the cam slot geometry and controlled by the latch mechanism, providing convenient partial access while maintaining structural integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the sliding cover portion. It translates the actuator input into controlled sliding motion through the cam slots, mediating the force and movement to achieve smooth, easy operation of the slidable cover while keeping the overall mechanism manageable in complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A door for a vehicle console includes first and second cover portions that each have an outer, exposed finished surface. The second cover portion is slidable between closed and open cover positions in which the second cover portion is substantially flush with the first cover portion in the closed cover position and is at least partially lapping the first cover portion in the open cover position. A bi-directional latch is actuatable in first and second opposed directions. Actuation in the first direction locks together the first and second cover portions in either closed or open positions and unlocks the door such that the first and second cover portions are rotatable in unison. Actuation in a second direction releases the first and second cover portions from one another such that the second cover portion is slidable from the closed cover position to the open cover position.