Glove Box Latch Mechanism External Relocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
State-of-the-art glove box assemblies have reduced storage volume due to internal packaging of the latch assembly, which limits the available space for storage.
Innovation Solution
An external locking mechanism is introduced, comprising a first and second striker, latch rods, and a biasing element, packaged outside the door, along with an electronic or mechanical actuator for unlocking, to increase storage capacity while maintaining a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the latch assembly is packaged internally within the door, then the door structure is compact and integrated, but the storage volume of the glove box is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is extracted from the internal packaging within the door and relocated to external mounting on the vehicle body. This removes the space-consuming latch components from the glove box interior, thereby increasing the available storage volume while maintaining the door's structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is repositioned from a two-dimensional internal layout within the door panel to a three-dimensional external configuration mounted on the vehicle body structure. This spatial relocation allows the glove box to utilize the previously occupied internal space for storage purposes.
2Volume of moving object
If the latch mechanism is relocated exterior to the door, then the storage capacity increases, but the door structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
By extracting the latch mechanism from the door structure and mounting it externally on the vehicle body, the door itself is simplified while the external mounting structure assumes the complexity of the latch integration. This transfers the structural complexity from the door to the external mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system is segmented into separate functional components: the latch mechanism itself, the mounting structure attached to the vehicle body, and the actuation system. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the mounting structure handling the structural complexity away from the door assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If internal packaging of latch assembly is used, then the door design is simplified, but the available storage space is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The latch assembly is extracted from the door's internal packaging and relocated to an external mounting position on the vehicle body. This extraction eliminates the need for complex internal door design modifications while maximizing the glove box storage space by removing the space previously occupied by the latch components.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch system transitions from a two-dimensional internal integration within the door panel to a three-dimensional external mounting on the vehicle body structure. This dimensional change allows the door to maintain a simple, clean design while the external structure accommodates the latch 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
This configuration enhances storage volume within the glove box assembly of a given size by relocating the latch mechanism outside the door, allowing for increased storage capacity without compromising the assembly's compactness.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing element biasing the first latch rod and the second latch rod into engagement with the first striker and the second striker
Implementation Method 2
The return spring may be connected to the first gear and the second gear. The return spring may also extend concentrically around the first stub shaft and the second stub shaft. The biasing element biases the first proximal end toward the second proximal end
Implementation Method 3
The electronic actuator may include a solenoid and an activation switch
Data Source
AI summary
A glove box assembly includes a door, a lock mechanism and a lock release mechanism. The lock mechanism includes a first striker and a second striker carried on the door. The lock mechanism also includes a first latch rod, a second latch rod and a biasing element for biasing the first latch rod and the second latch rod into engagement with the first striker and the second striker. The first latch rod, the second latch rod and the biasing element are located external to the door in order to reduce the size of the door and thereby increase the storage volume of the glove box assembly.