Glove Box Electronic Latch Control for Reduced Mechanical Complexity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container systems in vehicles rely on mechanical parts for transitioning between open and closed configurations, which can be complex and require hardware components that can be eliminated to enable active control based on detected configurations and user inputs.
Innovation Solution
A container management system using an electronic push-push interface with switches to detect positions and an actively controlled latch to lock or unlock containers, allowing integration of various vehicle functions and event detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical parts are used for transitioning containers between open and closed configurations, then the container system can achieve reliable mechanical locking, but the device complexity increases due to required hardware components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical transition mechanisms with an electronically controlled latch system. The latch is actuated by an motor-driven mechanism that transitions the container between open and closed configurations based on detected user inputs and vehicle events, eliminating complex mechanical linkages and springs while maintaining reliable locking through electronic control signals.
2Ease of operation
If actively controlled latch with electronic actuation is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved through integration with vehicle functions, but the device complexity increases due to electronic control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electronically controlled latch system serves multiple functions: it transitions the container between open and closed configurations, provides secure locking, integrates with vehicle event detection systems, and responds to various user inputs. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate mechanical systems into a single integrated electronic control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The container system automatically transitions between states based on detected vehicle events and user inputs without requiring manual intervention for each transition. The electronic control system monitors conditions and autonomously actuates the latch mechanism, making the system self-regulating and reducing the operational burden on the user.
3Ease of manufacture
If mechanical transition mechanisms are used, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the loss of time occurs due to manual operation and lack of integration with vehicle systems
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic control system is pre-programmed with vehicle event detection logic and transition protocols. When a triggering event occurs (such as vehicle locking, user authentication, or specific driving conditions), the system automatically initiates the container transition sequence, eliminating delays associated with manual operation and integrating seamlessly with vehicle system timing.
Data Source
AI summary
A container management system can use an electronic push-push interface to facilitate transition of the container in response to user inputs. Switches can be provided to detect the container position, and an actively controlled latch can respond to the detected position to lock or unlock the container. The display can also be operated to control the configuration of the container. The management system can also perform controls based on one or more other detectable conditions, such as locking the container when one or more external events are detected.