Vehicle Center Console Manual Latch Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle center console assemblies are not easily removable without tools, making it difficult for passengers or operators to remove them manually.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle center console assembly with a manually operated latch mechanism that allows for secure attachment and easy release from the passenger compartment floor, utilizing hooks and a latch mechanism that can be operated without tools, enabling manual installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the center console is fixedly attached to the floor, then the stability and security of the center console is improved, but the ease of removal and reinstallation is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of center console attachmentVSAvoidease of removal and reinstallation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: hooks that provide fixed attachment and a manually operable latch mechanism that provides release capability. This segmentation allows the center console to be both securely fixed and easily removable without tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment system transitions from a static fixed attachment to a dynamic system with two states: locked (secure attachment) and released (easy removal). The latch mechanism enables this dynamic state change, allowing the same attachment system to provide both stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a secure attachment mechanism is used, then the reliability of center console installation is improved, but the complexity of the attachment system is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of attachmentVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is designed to be self-operating through manual input, eliminating the need for external tools or complex actuation systems. The user directly operates the latch to secure or release the center console, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the user and the hooks, providing a simple manual interface to control the attachment state. This intermediary simplifies the user interaction while the hooks provide the actual secure mechanical attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11541819B2Vehicle center console assembly

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A vehicle center console assembly includes a vehicle body structure and a center console assembly. The vehicle body structure includes a passenger compartment floor with a front seat assembly installed to the floor and a pair of second row seats installed to the floor rearward of the front seat assembly. The center console assembly is releasably attached to the floor between the pair of second row seats. The center console has a manually operated latch mechanism operable between a locked orientation in which the center console is fixedly attached to the floor in an installed orientation and a release orientation in which the center console is released from attachment to the floor and is movable away from the installed orientation and out of the vehicle.