Vehicle Console Latch Assembly with Scissor Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior latch mechanisms are often complex, costly, and prone to accidental unlatching, which complicates the secure positioning of storage compartment doors.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly featuring a scissor link mechanism with pins that engage and disengage from tracks to secure the tambour door at various positions, utilizing a button-activated system to convert vertical movement into lateral movement of pins for secure engagement and disengagement, with springs to facilitate secure positioning and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex latch mechanism is used to secure the door, then the reliability of securing the door is improved, but the device complexity increases and manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a movable latch member that engages with stationary engagement features on the door, and a separate button-actuated release mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function reliably while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism incorporates a spring-loaded latch member that automatically engages with the door's engagement features when the door is closed, providing self-latching functionality without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. This self-service feature improves reliability while maintaining simplicity.
2Reliability
If a complex latch mechanism is used to secure the door, then the reliability of securing the door is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the latch system into simple, discrete components (latch member, button, spring, engagement features), each part can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective processes and then assembled, reducing overall manufacturing cost while maintaining reliable door securing functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism uses simple, inexpensive materials and components such as plastic or metal stampings for the latch member and engagement features, and a basic coil spring, replacing complex mechanical assemblies with affordable, easily manufactured parts that achieve the same reliable securing function.
3Ease of operation
If a button-activated latch release system is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button serves as a simple intermediary element that the user interacts with to initiate the release sequence. When pressed, it triggers the spring-loaded latch member to disengage from the door's engagement features, providing intuitive and easy operation without requiring the user to manipulate complex mechanical linkages or multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch member automatically performs the release action when the button is pressed, eliminating the need for complex cam mechanisms, levers, or multi-step operations. The spring's stored energy directly drives the latch disengagement, simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining ease of use.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the latch mechanism allows positioning at various positions, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door is divided into multiple sections with individual engagement features at different positions along the latch path. The single movable latch member can engage with any of these segmented engagement features, allowing the door to be positioned and secured at various locations without requiring a separate latch mechanism for each position, thus maintaining simplicity while providing adaptability.
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 a simple, cost-effective, and reliable mechanism for securing storage compartment doors in various positions, reducing accidental unlatching and enhancing operational ease while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
The latch may comprise at least one 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
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. A button is coupled to the cover. The component comprises a link coupled to the cover and a latch. The link is configured to secure the cover to the base and/or release cover from the base at the closed position, the intermediate position and the open position. The latch comprises two arms. The link is configured to translate downward movement of the button into lateral 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. Each of the two arms is coupled to at least one spring to move the one of the arms to the extended position.