Vehicle Console Cover Magnetic Latch Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior console assemblies lack improved functionality and operation, particularly in terms of cover arrangements and latch mechanisms that efficiently secure and release the cover, leading to suboptimal user experience and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A console assembly featuring a base with a movable cover and a latch mechanism utilizing magnets for secure engagement and disengagement, where the magnet is concealed within the cover and base, allowing for easy operation with external forces to open and close the cover, and a mechanism to actuate the cover's movement from a closed to an open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used to secure the cover, then the cover can be securely held in the closed position, but the mechanism to open the cover becomes complex and requires multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical latch components (springs, levers, cam surfaces) with a magnetic field-based latch mechanism. Magnets embedded in the base and cover create magnetic attraction forces that securely hold the cover in the closed position without requiring complex mechanical linkages. The magnetic force can be easily overcome by applying sufficient external force to open the cover, providing both security and ease of operation with minimal mechanical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latch mechanism is self-aligning and self-latching. When the cover is brought near the base, the magnetic field automatically attracts and secures the cover in the closed position without requiring manual engagement of mechanical latches. The system self-regulates the latching force based on the distance and alignment between the magnets in the base and cover.
2Device complexity
If magnets are exposed on the surface for engagement, then the latch mechanism is simple and effective, but the appearance is compromised and magnets are vulnerable to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the magnets within recesses or cavities in the base and cover structures, concealing them from external view while maintaining their functional integrity. The magnets are nested inside the components rather than being mounted on the exterior surfaces, preserving the smooth aesthetic appearance of the console assembly while still providing effective magnetic attraction for the latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic attractors or ferromagnetic materials as intermediaries between the exposed surface and the embedded magnets. These intermediaries can be positioned in visible areas while the actual magnets remain concealed, allowing the magnetic field to extend outward to engage with corresponding elements on the cover or base without exposing the magnets themselves to physical damage.
3Reliability
If the cover requires significant force to open against magnetic attraction, then the cover remains securely closed, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple magnets distributed at different locations within the base and cover, creating localized magnetic attraction zones. By strategically positioning magnets with varying strengths and orientations at specific locations, the system provides strong overall holding force to secure the cover while allowing localized points of lower resistance that facilitate easier initiation of opening motion. The magnetic field strength varies locally to balance security and operability.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic latch mechanism provides dynamic resistance to opening based on the position and velocity of the cover. The magnetic attraction force is strongest when the cover is fully closed and gradually decreases as the cover opens, naturally providing maximum security when needed and reducing resistance during the opening motion. This dynamic characteristic allows the system to adapt its holding force to the operational state without requiring additional mechanical components.
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
Enhances the functionality and operation of the vehicle interior console by providing a secure and easy-to-use cover mechanism, improving accessibility and reliability through magnetic engagement and disengagement, and facilitating smooth movement between closed and open positions.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet configured to establish magnetic attraction when aligned according to complementary magnetic polarity
Implementation Method 2
a magnet configured for movement within the base for an engaged state and a disengaged state to release the cover from the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior component comprising a cover movable relative to a base and a latch mechanism configured for movement within the base for an engaged state and a disengaged state is disclosed. The latch mechanism may maintain the disengaged state after the cover has been released from the base. The latch mechanism may comprise a magnet fixed to and concealed within the cover; the magnet of the base may be concealed within the base. The component may comprise an opening mechanism for opening of the cover upon release of external force from the cover. The opening mechanism may move the latch mechanism within the base. The latch mechanism may extend through an opening in a sidewall of the base to engage the cover to secure the cover to the base.