Glove Box Retainer Interlocker Mechanism for Impact Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicle glove boxes often fail to remain closed during and after a frontal impact event due to compromised latch mechanisms, leading to undesirable opening and potential injury risks.
Innovation Solution
A glove box retainer system featuring interlockers, such as a flexible tab and catch mechanism, that engage to maintain the glove box in a closed position even during impact, utilizing integrated injection molded polymeric materials for enhanced retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a primary latch mechanism is used to close the glove box, then the glove box can be easily opened and closed during normal operation, but the latch mechanism fails during frontal impact events causing the glove box to open uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is divided into two independent segments: a primary latch mechanism for normal operation and a secondary retainer mechanism for impact protection. The retainer includes separate interlockers (first and second interlockers) that independently engage with the surround, providing redundant retention capability that activates when the primary latch fails during impact events.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer mechanism is pre-configured with interlockers positioned to engage with the surround before impact occurs. The first interlocker is disposed proximate a forward edge of the open receptacle while the second interlocker is disposed proximate a forward portion of the surround, creating a pre-positioned safety mechanism that automatically engages during impact without requiring active control.
2Reliability
If the glove box is retained in closed position during impact, then occupant safety is improved, but the structure becomes more complex with additional interlocker components
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer mechanism is integrated with the existing glove box structure rather than being a separate additive system. The first and second interlockers are incorporated into the movable bin assembly, and the surround is fixedly mounted in the instrument panel, merging the retention function with the existing glove box components to minimize overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first interlocker includes a flexible tab that can deform during impact events to allow engagement with the second interlocker. This flexibility enables the retention mechanism to accommodate impact forces while maintaining a simple structural design, as the flexible tab provides the necessary compliance without requiring complex mechanical joints or actuators.
3Reliability
If interlockers are positioned forward of each other, then positive mechanical retention is achieved during impact, but the design precision required for proper engagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocker system is designed to dynamically engage during impact rather than requiring precise static positioning. The flexible tab in the first interlocker deforms under impact forces to enable engagement with the second interlocker, allowing the system to self-adjust during the dynamic impact event. This reduces manufacturing precision requirements compared to a rigid, pre-positioned engagement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the physical state of the first interlocker during impact, transitioning from a rigid positioned component to a flexible deforming element. The flexible tab changes its geometric parameters under load, allowing it to bridge the gap between the forward position of the first interlocker and the second interlocker, thereby reducing the precision required for their initial relative positioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A glove box retainer for a glove box comprises a tab or a catch on a forward portion of a movable bin received within a surround and a corresponding catch or tab on a forward portion of a surround disposed forward of the tab or catch on the movable bin when the movable bin is in a closed position. The movable bin displaces the tab or the catch on the movable bin so that it is juxtaposed against and displaced forward of the catch or tab on the surround to retain the glove box in the closed position during a frontal impact event.