Electromagnetic Vehicle Storage Latch for Collision-Resistant Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch assemblies in vehicle storage compartments, such as glove boxes, fail to securely maintain the compartment door closed during collisions or unauthorized access due to insufficient force retention.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage assembly featuring a static panel, a removal panel, a ferromagnetic member, and one or more magnets, with an electromagnetic coil that can be energized to adjust the magnetic attraction between the panels, allowing for dynamic force management and enhanced security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional latch assemblies are used to close the compartment door, then the door can be opened easily by user actuation, but the door fails to remain securely closed during collisions or unauthorized access attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly transitions from a static mechanical latch to a dynamic electromagnetic system where the coil can be energized or de-energized to change the latching state. The electromagnetic force dynamically adjusts to maintain secure closure during collisions while allowing easy opening when activated by the control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical latch mechanisms with an electromagnetic latch system. The coil generates electromagnetic force to actuate the plunger and engage/disengage the latch, substituting pure mechanical operation with electromagnetic actuation for more reliable and controllable door securing.
2Reliability
If a stronger mechanical latch is used to prevent unauthorized access, then door security improves, but the complexity of the latch mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-component mechanical latch mechanisms with a simplified electromagnetic system consisting of a coil, plunger, and magnetic elements. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while enhancing security through electromagnetic actuation and force application.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system utilizes changes in electromagnetic field parameters (energizing/de-energizing the coil) to control the latching state, replacing complex mechanical adjustments with simple electrical parameter changes for more reliable and less complex operation.
3Force
If the electromagnetic coil is designed to provide strong holding force during collisions, then the door remains securely closed, but the force required to open the door manually increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic coil dynamically adjusts its force output based on operational requirements. During collisions or security events, the coil is energized to provide strong holding force. For normal operation, the coil is de-energized or provided with reduced power, allowing the door to be opened easily through the existing mechanical release mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic coil operates in periodic cycles of energization and de-energization. It is energized temporarily during collision events to maintain secure closure, then de-energized to allow normal door operation, creating a dynamic force profile that addresses both security and ease of operation requirements.
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 provides reliable and secure closure of the compartment door during collisions and prevents unauthorized access by dynamically managing the magnetic force, ensuring the door remains closed and securely latched.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic coil that can be energized to adjust the magnetic attraction between the panels
Implementation Method 2
one or more magnets magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic member when the removal panel is in the closed configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle storage assembly is provided that includes a static panel and a removal panel. The static panel has an opening with the removal panel being proximate to the opening. The removal panel moves between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The removal panel covers at least a portion of the opening when in the closed configuration. The vehicle storage system further includes a ferromagnetic member and one or more magnets magnetically coupled to the ferromagnetic member when the removal panel is in the closed configuration. The vehicle storage assembly can further include an electromagnetic coil.