Vehicle Center Console Tray Friction Hinge Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing center console assemblies in vehicles do not allow for a tray to be partially extended while maintaining the storage compartment's lower portion covered, and the lid does not effectively conceal both the tray and the compartment in a closed orientation.
Innovation Solution
A center console assembly with a tray that pivots using a friction hinge, allowing partial extension and retraction, and a lid that covers both the tray and the compartment, utilizing a lid hinge for complete closure and exposure, with a biasing spring for easy opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray is completely removed from the storage compartment, then access to the storage compartment is maximized, but the lower portion of the storage compartment is exposed and not covered
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed to be dynamically movable between a fully retracted position (providing maximum access) and a lowered position (covering the lower compartment portion). The friction hinge enables the tray to be positioned at intermediate angles, allowing it to cover the lower portion while still providing access to the upper portion of the storage compartment.
2Shape
If the lid is designed to cover the entire storage compartment, then complete concealment is achieved, but the tray cannot be partially extended while maintaining coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into three functional components: the lid (for complete concealment), the tray (for partial extension and selective coverage), and the storage compartment (with upper and lower portions). This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
Both the lid and tray are designed with dynamic movement capabilities through friction hinges. The lid can pivot between open and closed positions to provide complete concealment when needed. The tray can be positioned at various angles to provide partial extension while maintaining coverage of the lower compartment portion, offering adaptability without compromising concealment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a friction hinge is used for the tray, then the tray can be held at intermediate positions for partial extension, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The friction hinge is designed to be self-regulating, using friction between its components to hold the tray at any desired position without requiring additional locking mechanisms or complex control systems. The user simply applies force to move the tray to the desired angle, and the friction hinge maintains that position automatically.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the tray is made movable to provide partial extension, then storage flexibility is improved, but the reliability of covering the lower compartment portion may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The tray's dynamic positioning capability allows it to be moved to different angles to provide partial extension while maintaining coverage of the lower compartment portion. The friction hinge ensures that once positioned, the tray remains stable and maintains coverage reliably without drifting to unintended positions.
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
Enables the tray to be partially extended for access while keeping the lower compartment portion covered and ensures the lid completely conceals the tray and compartment when closed, enhancing storage flexibility and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The tray hinge structure is a friction hinge that restricts movement of the first part relative to the second part
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a lid hinge for complete closure and exposure, with a biasing spring for easy opening
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle center console includes a tray hinge that supports a tray for pivoting movement about a tray axis, the tray hinge being a friction hinge restricting movement of the tray. The tray is moveable between a lowered orientation where the tray is completely located within a storage compartment and at least partially covering a lower portion of the storage compartment, and a raised orientation at least partially extending out of the storage compartment and exposing the lower portion of the storage compartment. A lid hinge structure is attached to the main body and to a lid such that the lid moves about a lid axis relative to the center console. The lid is movable from a closed orientation covering the storage compartment and the tray, and an open orientation exposing the tray and the upper portion of the storage compartment.