Vehicle Console Tab Retaining Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components, such as consoles with storage compartments and tambour doors, lack an effective mechanism to prevent items from falling or moving relative to the door when it transitions between positions, leading to potential loss or disorganization.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle trim component featuring a base with a door that moves between retracted, intermediate, and open positions, equipped with a deployable retaining feature in the form of a tab mechanism. This tab is configured to move between open and retracted positions using a spring mechanism, engaging with the door's edge to prevent items from falling or moving, and is designed to align with the door's surface when in the retracted position, allowing it to stow within a compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a door is provided for a storage compartment to allow access, then accessibility is improved, but items may fall or move relative to the door during transition
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is designed as a dynamic retaining feature that can deploy and retract based on door position. It protrudes when the door is in use to prevent item movement, and retracts when the door transitions to avoid interference, thus adapting its function to different operational states
Solution Approach 2:
The tab deploys in advance before the door fully opens to establish the retaining barrier, preventing items from falling or moving relative to the door during the transition process
2Reliability
If a retainin g feature is added to prevent item movement, then item stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tab is spring-loaded and automatically deploys or retracts based on door position without requiring external control mechanisms. The spring mechanism provides self-actuating functionality that maintains item stability while minimizing added complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining feature is integrated directly into the door structure, combining the door function with the item retention function in a single component, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Reliability
If a tab mechanism is deployed to retain items, then item stability is improved, but the tab may interfere with door movement
Solution Approach 1:
The tab dynamically changes its position based on door state - deployed when door is stationary to retain items, and retracted when door is moving to prevent interference, thus resolving the conflict between retention and movement
Solution Approach 2:
The tab retracts in advance before door movement begins to eliminate potential interference, preventing the harmful effect of tab-door collision while maintaining item stability during stationary periods
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 deployable retaining feature effectively prevents items from falling or moving relative to the door as it transitions, maintaining organization and accessibility within the console's compartments, enhancing user convenience and reducing clutter.
Implementation Method 1
The tab may comprise a spring configured to move the tab from the retracted position to the open position
Data Source
AI summary
A feature shown as trim piece or tab intended to provide a barrier or obstruction for items placed on top of the trim piece are disclosed. An interior trim component includes multiple substantially parallel ribs each configured to engage a track to facilitate movement of the interior trim component along the track. The interior trim component also includes a substrate having an outer surface and a rear surface. The outer surface is configured to face an interior of a vehicle and the rear surface is coupled to the substantially parallel ribs. The interior trim component further includes a barrier or obstruction extending upwardly from the outer surface while in an open position. The barrier or obstruction is configured to engage an item adjacent to the outer surface to block movement of the item relative to the interior trim component. The barrier or obstruction is configured to retract into a retracted position that facilitates movement of the interior trim component relative to a proximate structure.