Bidirectional Console Lid Hinge for Front and Rear Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consoles in vehicles typically only allow accessibility from one side when opened, causing inconvenience to passengers on the opposite side.
Innovation Solution
A two-way openable console design featuring a center lid portion that can be opened forwards and backwards, utilizing side lid portions, button units, rotation units, hinge units, catch units, and locking units to allow selective retraction and locking of center shafts, enabling the center lid to be opened from either end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the console opens in one direction only, then the structure is simple, but accessibility for passengers on the opposite side is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge unit enables the center lid to dynamically switch between two opening directions (frontward or backward) based on passenger needs. The hinge mechanism allows the lid to pivot about either the front end or rear end, transforming a static single-direction opening system into a dynamic multi-directional system that adapts to different usage scenarios.
Solution Approach 2:
The console lid is designed with universal opening capability, allowing it to function as an accessible storage compartment for passengers on either the front or rear seats. By enabling opening in both forward and backward directions, the single lid structure serves multiple accessibility functions, eliminating the need for separate lids for different passenger groups.
2Ease of operation
If the center lid is opened about one end portion, then accessibility from one side is improved, but the hinge structure becomes vulnerable to removal
Solution Approach 1:
The catch unit acts as an intermediary locking mechanism between the hinge unit and the side lid portions. When the lid is opened about one end, the catch unit engages with the hinge unit to prevent unintended removal or detachment, providing an additional security layer that maintains structural reliability during single-end opening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The catch unit provides preemptive protection against hinge unit removal by engaging in advance before any potential detachment can occur. This preventive mechanism ensures that even when the lid is opened about one end portion, the hinge structure remains securely protected against accidental or unauthorized removal.
3Ease of operation
If a two-way opening system is implemented, then accessibility for both front and rear passengers is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The button units at both ends of the center lid are functionally merged through the rotation unit. Pressing either button unit triggers the same rotation mechanism that controls the hinge unit, allowing both ends to control lid opening in a unified manner. This merging of control functions reduces the need for separate, independent mechanisms for each end.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation unit serves multiple functions: it responds to button inputs from either end, controls the hinge unit's rotation, and manages the retraction of center shafts. This multi-functional design allows a single mechanism to handle the complexity of two-way opening, reducing the need for separate control systems for each opening direction.
4Ease of operation
If center shafts are made retractable, then smooth opening operation is improved, but the risk of hinge unit removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The catch unit serves as an intermediary locking mechanism that engages with the hinge unit when the center shafts are retracted. This prevents the hinge unit from being removed while maintaining the smooth retractable operation of the center shafts. The catch unit activates automatically when the lid is opened about one end, providing security without interfering with the opening motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A two-way openable console includes side lid portions located on left and right sides of the console, a center lid portion located between the side lid portions to be open about one end portion in a longitudinal direction, a button unit located on each of front and rear end portions of the center lid portion, a rotation unit rotated about a center shaft in response to an input of the button unit, hinge units located on first and second end portions of the center lid portion and configured so that the rotation unit is rotated in response to an input of the button unit and thereby center shafts protruding to the side lid portions are selectively retracted into the center lid portion, and a catch unit located adjacent to each of the hinge units and integrally retracted in response to driving of each of the center shafts.