Glove Box Hinge Detent With Ball Plungers for Hands-Free Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glove boxes with upward-opening doors require manual support to stay open, which can be inconvenient, especially when both hands are needed for tasks.
Innovation Solution
A detent device with spring-loaded ball plungers and a curved plate that attaches to the glove box door, allowing it to be held open without external support by resting against the edge of the glove box.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the glove box door opens upward without a detent mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the door cannot be held open without manual support
Solution Approach 1:
The detent device automatically engages with the detent surface when the door is opened to a specific angle, holding the door open without requiring manual support. The spring mechanism self-activates based on door position, eliminating the need for user intervention to maintain the open state.
Solution Approach 2:
The ball plunger acts as an intermediary element between the hinge and the detent surface. It transfers the holding force from the spring mechanism to the door, enabling the door to be held open at a desired position without direct mechanical connection.
2Ease of operation
If a detent device is added to hold the door open, then the door can be held open automatically, but the hinge structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The ball plunger is nested within the hinge assembly, with the ball contained in a cavity and the spring housed within the same structure. This nesting approach minimizes the overall space required and reduces the number of separate components that need to be assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a spherical ball plunger allows for smooth engagement with the detent surface and easy rotation within its housing. The spherical shape simplifies the mechanical interaction compared to other detent mechanisms, reducing complexity while maintaining functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the ball plunger is always in contact with the detent surface, then the door is held open, but the user cannot open the door further when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The ball plunger is designed to be dynamically adjustable between engaged and disengaged states. When force is applied to the door, the ball can be pushed inward against spring pressure, allowing the door to move beyond the detent position. When force is released, the spring returns the ball to its engaged state, automatically re-establishing the held position.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism operates in periodic cycles of engagement and disengagement. The ball alternates between contacting the detent surface to hold the door open and being pushed inward to allow door movement, creating a rhythmic on-off action that provides both stability and adjustability.
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 glove box door to be securely held open, allowing users to access the interior space with both hands, enhancing convenience and usability.
Implementation Method 1
A first ball plunger and a second ball plunger may be attached to the curved plate. When the door is opened via a first external force to a first spatial position, the first ball plunger and second ball plunger may be pushed against an edge of the vehicle glove box. With a further force applied to extend the door beyond the first spatial position, the first ball plunger and the second ball plunger may be depressed by the edge from a first resting state and a second resting state, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
Glove box hinge detent devices are disclosed. One aspect includes a curved plate configured to conform to a curvature of a door of a vehicle glove box, and two ball plungers attached to the curved plate. When the door is opened via a first external force to a first spatial position, the ball plungers are pushed against an edge of the vehicle glove box. With a further force applied to extend the door beyond the first spatial position, the ball plungers are depressed by the edge from a first and a second resting state, allowing the door to be extended beyond the first spatial position. When the door is extended beyond the first spatial position, the ball plungers return to the first resting place and the second resting place. The door is held open at a second spatial position by the ball plungers resting against the edge.