Sliding Glove Box Knob Cover for Hidden Keyhole Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle knob assemblies with integrated key sets compromise design luxury due to visible keyholes, lacking mechanical durability and operability.
Innovation Solution
A knob assembly design featuring a sliding knob cover that conceals the keyhole, guided by guide portions and restricted by stoppers and catch portions, ensuring secure closure and luxurious appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a key set is formed in the glove box knob, then security of the glove box is improved, but design luxury and visual appearance deteriorate due to visible keyholes
Solution Approach 1:
The key set function is extracted from the main knob body and integrated into a separate cover assembly. The cover can be removed to access the keyhole, while the main knob maintains a clean, luxurious appearance without visible keyholes when the cover is in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to be movable relative to the knob, transitioning between a covered state (hiding the keyhole for luxury appearance) and an uncovered state (exposing the keyhole for security access). This dynamic configuration allows the same structure to serve both aesthetic and functional requirements.
2Shape
If a cover is added to conceal the keyhole, then design luxury is improved, but device complexity and structural components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is integrated with the knob assembly through guide portions and stoppers that are part of the same overall structure. The guide portions are formed on the knob, and the stoppers are built into the cover, creating a unified assembly that conceals the keyhole without requiring entirely separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple functions: it conceals the keyhole for aesthetic purposes, provides a surface for user interaction, and includes integrated guide portions and stoppers for mechanical guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
3Ease of operation
If guide portions and stoppers are added to control cover movement, then operability and durability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide portions and stoppers are designed to automatically guide the cover's movement and restrict it to appropriate positions without requiring external control mechanisms. The elastic stoppers self-adjust to provide tactile feedback and positioning, eliminating the need for additional actuators or control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A knob assembly according to one embodiment of the present invention may include an opening and closing knob which opens or closes a glove box and in which a keyhole, into which a key is inserted, is formed in one surface of the opening and closing knob, a knob cover which slides forward or rearward to cover the one surface of the opening and closing knob, and a stopper which is formed on the one surface of the opening and closing knob to restrict movement of the knob cover when the knob cover moves rearward maximally, and the knob cover may move forward maximally to cover the keyhole.