Vehicle Console Latch Mechanism for Secure Cover Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms for vehicle interior compartments are either difficult to operate or costly to manufacture, often resulting in accidental unlatching and compromising both functionality and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly comprising a base, a cover, and a button-actuated mechanism with a rack and pinion system and springs that secures the cover in various positions between closed and open, using pins to engage with a track for secure positioning, allowing easy operation and reduced wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional latching mechanism is used, then the cover can be secured in closed position, but the mechanism is difficult to operate and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a latch member with arms for engagement, a button member for actuation, and a spring member for biasing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, making the overall system easier to operate while maintaining manufacturability through modular assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member automatically biases the latch arms into the engaged position with the track, and the button member automatically releases the latch when pressed. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems or multiple actuators, improving ease of operation while reducing manufacturing complexity
2Reliability
If a secure latching mechanism is used, then accidental unlatching is prevented, but the mechanism becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The latch member combines multiple arms that can simultaneously engage with the track at different positions, creating a secure latching action through a single integrated component. This merging approach ensures reliability through multi-point engagement while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate latching mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The spring member pre-biases the latch arms into the engaged position, creating a predetermined securing force before any unlatching attempt occurs. This prior cushioning ensures reliable engagement with the track while using a simple spring mechanism rather than complex active control systems
3Shape
If a compact latch mechanism is used, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but the mechanism may lack sufficient securing force
Solution Approach 1:
The latch arms engage with the track in a lateral dimension rather than requiring a large vertical profile. This dimensional change allows the mechanism to maintain a compact aesthetic appearance while generating sufficient securing force through the lateral engagement geometry of the arms with the track
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 latch assembly provides secure positioning of vehicle interior compartments, reduces accidental unlatching, and enhances both operational ease and aesthetic appeal by minimizing the profile of the latch mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The latch may comprise a spring configured to move the first arm and the second arm from the retracted position to the extended position to secure the cover to the base
Implementation Method 2
The latch may comprise a rack and pinion mechanism and the spring; the rack and pinion mechanism may comprise a gear and two racks
Data Source
AI summary
A component for vehicle interior is disclosed. The component comprises a base, a bin and a cover. The cover is configured to move relative to the base from a closed position to cover the bin to an intermediate position to partially uncover the bin to an open position to uncover the bin. The cover provides a latch. The latch is configured to secure the cover to the base at the closed position, the intermediate position and the open position. The latch is also configured to release the cover from the base at the closed position, the intermediate position and the open position. The latch comprises a button and two arms. The button is configured to facilitate movement of the two arms between an extended position and a retracted position. The two arms engage with the base to secure the cover to the base when the two arms are at the extended position. The two arms disengage with the base to release the cover from the base when the two arms are at the retracted position.