Removable Console Locking Mechanism for Automotive Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle console designs face challenges with complex mechanisms for detachment from the vehicle floor, reduced storage volume due to housing mechanisms within the console, and ergonomic issues with locking mechanisms that do not ensure secure hold during frontal impacts.
Innovation Solution
A console design featuring a first locking hook integrated into the sole and a pivotally mounted lever with a second locking hook, accessible from the front, which engages with a complementary receiving cavity on the base, allowing easy extraction and reattachment while ensuring secure hold during impacts, and made from plastic materials for reduced mass and ergonomic handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex mechanism is used to separate the console from the floor, then the console can be detached, but the structure becomes extremely complex and requires a very large number of organs
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into two independent hooks: a first locking hook for automatic engagement with the floor, and a second locking hook controlled by a lever for manual release. This segmentation allows the console to be detachable while keeping each individual locking element simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual release function is extracted from the automatic locking mechanism by adding a separate lever-controlled second hook. This allows the console to maintain simple automatic locking while providing independent manual release capability without complicating the primary locking system.
2Reliability
If the locking mechanism is housed in the console, then the console can be locked, but the volume of the storage compartment is considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted from the console body and integrated into the base structure. The first locking hook is formed on the base, and the second locking hook is controlled by a lever that pivots relative to the base, not the console. This extraction eliminates the need for internal locking mechanism housing within the console, preserving maximum storage volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is relocated from the vertical dimension (inside the console) to the horizontal dimension (in the base structure). The hooks and lever operate in the plane of the base, allowing the console to maintain its full internal volume while the locking function is provided by the base structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional locking means are used, then the console can be fixed, but they are not suitable for ensuring a good hold during frontal impact
Solution Approach 1:
The first locking hook is designed to automatically engage with the floor structure before any impact occurs. This preliminary automatic locking ensures the console is securely positioned in its normal operating state, providing reliable hold during frontal impact without requiring complex additional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the locking system have specialized functions: the first hook provides automatic secure engagement for normal operation and impact resistance, while the second hook provides manual release capability. This local specialization allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, ensuring impact resistance where needed while maintaining ease of manufacture.
4Reliability
If locking means project under the sole, then the console can be locked, but it is not ergonomic for handling and storing
Solution Approach 1:
The lever acts as an intermediary between the user and the second locking hook. Instead of requiring direct access to hooks under the sole, the user operates the lever which pivots to engage or disengage the second hook. This intermediary mechanism provides ergonomic handling with the operating handle directly accessible from the front face, while the actual locking hooks remain positioned for effective locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating interface is moved from the vertical dimension (under the sole where hooks are located) to the horizontal dimension (front face where the lever handle is accessible). This allows the locking function to be performed ergonomically from the front of the console while the hooks themselves remain in their effective positions for securing the console.
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 solution simplifies the locking mechanism, enhances ergonomic handling, and provides a secure hold during impacts, while allowing easy access to storage compartments when the console is removed, maintaining storage quality and reducing the console's mass.
Implementation Method 1
The lever is returned to its second hook locking position by at least one elastic member, such as a spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a removable console for the passenger compartment of a motor vehicle. According to the invention, the means for locking the console (1) to the base (3) comprise: a first hook (4) which is located at one end of the base plate (5) of the console (1) and which can be inserted into a recess (6) in the base (3); and a lever (8) including a second locking hook (9) and a manoeuvring handle (10), pivot-mounted to the base plate (5) at the opposite end thereof, so that the lever (8) can occupy a locking position in which the second hook (9) is locked in another complementary receiving recess (12) in the base (3) or a release position in which the second hook (9) is released from said other receiving recess (12) and in which the console (1) can be removed from the base (3) by pivoting and translating the console (1) relative to the base (3). The invention is suitable for use in the automotive industry.