Vehicle Center Console Lid Support Member for Stability and Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Center console lids in vehicles often face issues with stability and noise reduction when in the lowered position, as they can move side-to-side and generate noise due to contact with the bin's interior surface.
Innovation Solution
A support member comprising a protrusion and a bumper, coupled via a connector, is integrated into the lid's bottom surface, with the protrusion extending into the bin's cavity and the bumper resting on the bin's rim, reducing side-to-side movement and noise through polymeric materials that provide natural lubricity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the lid is made to rest directly on the bin's interior surface, then the structure is simple, but the lid moves side-to-side and generates noise
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into two functional segments: a protrusion that extends into the cavity to prevent side-to-side movement, and a bumper that rests on the rim to provide stable support. This segmentation allows each part to address specific stability issues independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member acts as an intermediary component between the lid and the bin's interior surface. It mediates the contact interaction by providing a structured interface that prevents direct contact between the lid and the noisy bin surface, thereby reducing noise and improving stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If the lid is made to rest directly on the bin's interior surface, then manufacturing is simple, but noise is generated due to contact
Solution Approach 1:
The support member serves as an intermediary that eliminates direct contact between the lid and the bin's interior surface. The protrusion and bumper configuration provides a controlled interface that prevents noise-generating contact while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member changes the contact parameters between the lid and bin by introducing a structured interface with specific geometric features (protrusion and bumper). This alters the interaction from direct surface contact to controlled point/line contact, reducing noise generation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a support member with protrusion and bumper is added to the lid, then stability and noise reduction are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion and bumper are merged into a single integrated support member that is coupled to the lid body. This combining of multiple functional elements into one component achieves stability and noise reduction while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member performs multiple functions simultaneously: the protrusion prevents side-to-side movement, the bumper provides stable support on the rim, and the integrated structure reduces noise. This multi-functionality achieves multiple benefits without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the protrusion extends into the bin's cavity, then side-to-side movement is limited, but the risk of contact and noise increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion acts as an intermediary that limits side-to-side movement without allowing direct contact between the lid and the bin's interior surface. By positioning the protrusion within the cavity space, it provides mechanical guidance while the support member's bumper handles the primary contact function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member segments the stability functions: the protrusion specifically addresses side-to-side movement control by extending into the cavity, while the bumper separately handles the support and noise reduction function by resting on the rim. This segmentation prevents the protrusion from generating noise while maintaining its stabilizing function.
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 support member enhances the lid's stability and reduces noise, while also improving aesthetics and reducing manufacturing complexity and costs by forming a unitary component that limits side-to-side movement and noise.
Implementation Method 1
polymeric materials that provide natural lubricity
Data Source
AI summary
A center console for a vehicle includes a bin having a sidewall that defines an inner cavity. The sidewall has an interior surface and an exterior surface. A lid is rotatably coupled to the bin. The lid is operable between a lowered position enclosing the inner cavity and a raised position. The lid includes a body having a bottom surface. A support member is disposed on the bottom surface of the body. The support member includes a protrusion and a bumper. The protrusion and the bumper are coupled together via a connector.