Automotive Under Seat Drawer Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing latching mechanisms for automotive under seat drawers are not cost-effective, easy to use, reliable, and often produce excessive noise during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A latching mechanism featuring opposed latches with sloped followers and a vertically movable handle with cams, guided by T-shaped projections and grooves, which ensures secure and quiet operation by minimizing rattling and noise through repeatable movement and secure engagement of lightweight plastic parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional latching mechanism is used for automotive under seat drawer, then the drawer can be secured closed, but excessive noise is produced during vehicle operation
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into two separate opposed latches instead of a single latching component. Each latch is independently mounted and can move transversely along its own guide, allowing for better noise isolation and reduced vibration transmission while maintaining secure drawer retention
Solution Approach 2:
A vertically movable handle with cam mechanisms serves as an intermediary component to simultaneously actuate both latches. The cam-follower arrangement provides smooth, controlled movement of the latches during engagement and disengagement, minimizing impact noises and rattling during operation
2Ease of manufacture
If a simple latching mechanism is used to reduce cost, then manufacturing expense is reduced, but the mechanism produces excessive noise and lacks reliability
Solution Approach 1:
Both latches are constructed using identical components including followers, sloped walls, and guide engagements. This homogeneous design allows for cost-effective manufacturing through standardized production processes while maintaining consistent noise reduction performance across both latching points
Solution Approach 2:
The opposed latches are designed to automatically engage and disengage through their own cam-follower mechanisms without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems. Each latch self-regulates its movement along the guide, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining reliable operation
3Reliability
If opposed latches are used to secure the drawer, then latching reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single vertically movable handle performs the function of actuating both latches simultaneously through its cam mechanisms. This multi-functional design achieves reliable dual-latch engagement while avoiding the complexity of separate actuation systems for each latch
Solution Approach 2:
The latches move in the transverse direction (horizontal) while the handle moves in the vertical dimension. This dimensional separation allows the handle to control both latches through vertical cam rotation, converting vertical handle motion into transverse latch movement and simplifying the overall mechanism
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 mechanism provides a reliable, noise-reduced, and cost-effective latching system for automotive under seat drawers, ensuring secure storage without excessive noise or vibration, using lightweight durable materials and existing manufacturing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
A vertically movable handle includes a cam cooperating with the follower for moving the latch to the unlatched position
Implementation Method 2
A spring for urging the latch to the latched position may also be provided
Implementation Method 3
Each follower may comprise a sloped wall on the latch. Each cam may comprise a pin for engaging the sloped wall and moving the latch inwardly as the handle moves upwardly in the vertical direction
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for selectively latching a drawer for storing objects and movable in a travel direction from beneath an automotive seat. The apparatus comprises one or more latches movable transverse to the travel direction from a latched position retaining the drawer closed and an unlatched position, the latch including a follower. A vertically movable handle including a cam cooperating with the follower for moving the latch to the unlatched position for releasing the drawer for opening. The latches and handle may be securely supported for sliding movement by vertical and lateral guides on a front wall of the drawer.