Pivoting Glove Box Retainer for Flexible Storage Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle glove boxes lack efficient mechanisms for maximizing storage space and organization while maintaining ease of assembly and reducing part complexity.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable retainer is integrated with the glove box bin, allowing it to transition between positions within and outside the storage cavity, with elastic engagement features maintaining its position, and a living hinge facilitating this movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a traditional fixed retainer is used in the glove box, then the structure is simple and assembly is easy, but the storage space cannot be maximized and organizational flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed to be pivotable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between a first position (where it provides organizational support within the storage cavity) and a second position (where it can be moved out of the way). This dynamic capability enables the same component to serve multiple functions: organizing items when needed and maximizing storage space when organizational support is not required.
2Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for the retainer mechanism, then the functionality is robust and reliable, but the number of parts increases and production costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism combines multiple functions into a single integrated component. The retainer includes both the organizational function (with its cradle and engagement features) and the positioning function (through its pivotable connection to the bin). This merging of functions reduces the number of separate parts needed while maintaining reliable operation through the elastic engagement features that ensure stable positioning.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the retainer is designed to pivot within the storage cavity, then storage flexibility is improved and larger items can be accommodated, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable retainer mechanism provides adaptability by allowing the retainer to move between positions. In the first position, it offers organizational support for smaller items; in the second position, it can be moved out of the storage cavity to accommodate larger items. This dynamic repositioning capability enhances storage versatility without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
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
Enhances storage capacity by accommodating larger items and organizational dividers, while simplifying assembly and reducing parts, thus lowering production costs.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer includes at least one engagement feature configured to elastically deform due to contact with the at least one retention feature as the retainer enters at least one of the first position and the second position, such that contact between the at least one engagement feature and the at least one retention feature yieldingly maintains the retainer in the at least one of the first position and the second position
Data Source
AI summary
A glove box for a vehicle includes a bin having an upper rim and defining a storage cavity accessible via an opening defined by the upper rim. The glove box further includes a retainer pivotably coupled to the bin and operable to pivot relative to the bin between a first position and a second position. In the first position, a portion of the retainer is positioned within the storage cavity. In the second position, the retainer is positioned wholly outside of the storage cavity.