Vehicle Glove Box Linkage for Deeper Storage and Easy Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glove box assemblies in vehicles face challenges in maximizing storage capacity and ease of closure, particularly due to dead spaces formed in the rear and upper portions of the dashboard, and issues with accommodating large or heavy objects.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle glove box assembly with a dual rotation link system, including a first and second rotation link, a guide hole, and a locking mechanism, which allows the housing to be rotated downward and forward, utilizing a guide protrusion and elastic members for easy opening and semi-automatic closure, enhancing storage capacity and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotating type glove box is used, then the housing can be opened by rotation, but the storage depth is limited due to collision with the dashboard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a simple rotational movement to a compound motion trajectory. The housing is guided to move along a predetermined path that combines rotation and downward movement, allowing the housing to clear the dashboard obstruction and achieve greater storage depth while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension to the opening motion. Instead of purely rotational movement in a horizontal plane, the housing is guided to move downward as well as rotate, utilizing the vertical space below the dashboard to increase storage depth without compromising operational simplicity.
2Volume of moving object
If a sliding type glove box is used, then the housing can be formed deeper, but objects are jammed in the entrance region during withdrawal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces linear sliding motion with a controlled rotational and downward movement. This dynamic motion path allows objects to be smoothly guided out of the housing without getting jammed in the entrance region, while still achieving deep storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds rotational and vertical movement dimensions to the opening operation. Instead of simple linear withdrawal that causes jamming, the housing rotates and moves downward, creating a multi-dimensional motion path that eliminates jamming while maintaining deep storage capability.
3Quantity of substance
If many objects or heavy objects are accommodated in the housing, then storage capacity increases, but excessive force is required to close the glove box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an elastic member that automatically provides closing force to the housing. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for users to apply excessive force manually, allowing the glove box to close automatically even when containing heavy objects, while maintaining high storage capacity.
4Volume of moving object
If the housing is made deeper to increase storage capacity, then more space is utilized, but dead space is formed in the rear portion and upper portion of the dashboard
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a guided rotational and downward movement mechanism that allows the housing to efficiently utilize the available dashboard space. The predetermined motion path ensures the housing reaches its full depth potential without creating unnecessary dead spaces in the rear or upper portions of the dashboard.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes vertical space by guiding the housing to move downward during opening. This dimensional change allows the housing to extend deeper into the dashboard structure, maximizing storage capacity while efficiently filling the vertical and horizontal space to minimize dead areas.
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 assembly significantly increases storage capacity by utilizing dead spaces in the dashboard and facilitates easy closure even with heavy objects, reducing the force required for operation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic member, one end of which is coupled to the cover and the other end of which is coupled to the rotating member, to automatically close the housing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A vehicle glove box assembly (100) includes a cover (200) located at a dashboard in front of a passenger seat, the cover configured to be open in a forward direction; a housing (300) disposed to be covered by the cover, the housing configured to be accessible by selectively opening and closing of the cover; a rotating member (400) connected between the cover and the housing, the rotating member configured to rotate in a rotation orbit for opening and closing the housing. The rotation member incudes a first rotation link (410), of which one end is coupled to a lower portion of the cover and another end is coupled to an upper portion of the housing, and a second rotation link (420) of which one end is coupled to the lower portion of the cover and another end is coupled to the upper portion of the housing, and a length of the first rotation link is greater than a length of the second rotation link.