Vehicle Center Console Insert Locking for Rattle-Free Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current center consoles for vehicles lack user-configurability and stability in securing inserts, leading to potential rattling, loosening during extreme events, and limited adaptability for varying object sizes.

Innovation Solution

A center console design featuring a pivotally arranged armrest that secures a receiving insert through a safety unit and damping elements, allowing for customizable configuration and secure positioning without additional fasteners, ensuring stability and noise reduction during vehicle movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a receiving insert is inserted into the receiving chamber to create storage space, then storage functionality is improved, but the insert may rattle or loosen during vehicle movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidinsert stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A damping element is introduced as an intermediary component between the armrest and the receiving insert. This damping element absorbs vibrations and prevents direct contact that would cause rattling, while still allowing the insert to be securely held in position within the receiving chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the armrest is positioned in horizontal backrest position to secure the insert, then insert stability is improved, but access to the receiving chamber is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsert stabilityVSAvoidchamber accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The armrest is designed to be dynamically positionable between horizontal backrest position (for securing inserts) and vertical release position (for accessing the chamber). This dynamic positioning capability allows the system to adapt between two functional states: storage security and access convenience, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Volume of moving object

If the receiving chamber extends below the armrest to accommodate larger objects, then storage capacity is improved, but the insert may become unsecured during extreme events

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidinsert security
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The damping element is positioned beforehand between the armrest and the receiving insert to provide continuous cushioning and secure the insert against forward movement. This prior cushioning arrangement ensures that during extreme events, the insert remains secured in place even when the chamber extends below the armrest to accommodate larger objects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 design provides a stable, customizable storage solution that prevents rattling and accidental loosening, accommodating larger objects without fastening means, ensuring secure and quiet operation.

Implementation Method 1

at least one damping element (8) arranged on the front end section of the armrest (3) and/or on the rear end section of the receiving insert (5), over which the front end section of the armrest (3), when it is in the horizontal backrest position, rests on the rear end section of the receiving insert (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4371817A1Center console for vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.05.22 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • EP4371817A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP4371817A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4371817A1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

The invention relates to a center console (1) for a vehicle, comprising an armrest (3) arranged in a rear section, a receiving chamber (4), a receiving insert (5, 25) that can be inserted into the receiving chamber (4), and a securing unit (11) arranged between an inner wall (9) of the receiving chamber (4) and an outer wall (10) of the receiving insert (5, 25) for securing the receiving insert (5, 25). A front end section of the armrest (3), when in the horizontal reclining position, rests on a rear end section of the receiving insert (5, 25) inserted into the receiving chamber (4). The securing unit (11) has a securing receptacle (12) and a securing projection (13) that engages in the securing receptacle (12). A further receiving insert (25) is inserted into the rear section of the receiving chamber (4).The additional receiving insert (25) can optionally be used in place of the receiving insert (5) in the front section of the receiving chamber (4).