Vehicle Glove Box Slider Latch for Space-Saving Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Glove box latch mechanisms occupy significant space and have complex constructions, limiting usable space and requiring simplification.
Innovation Solution
A slider mechanism with a pair of locking snaps, a fixed inner rail, a movable outer rail, and a sliding knob, utilizing beveled ends and a spring for easy operation, reducing the need for traditional latch mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the glove box can be securely latched, but the mechanism occupies significant space and has complex construction
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into separate functional components: locking snaps mounted on the dashboard frame, a slider mechanism with inner and outer rails, and individual snap engagement points. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler while working together to achieve secure latching.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex traditional latch mechanism is replaced by extracting only the essential latching function and implementing it through simple locking snaps that engage with the slider mechanism. The unnecessary complexity of traditional latches is removed while maintaining the secure latching function.
2Reliability
If a traditional latch mechanism is used, then the glove box can be securely latched, but the mechanism occupies significant space within the glove box
Solution Approach 1:
The bulky traditional latch mechanism is replaced by compact locking snaps mounted on the dashboard frame outside the glove box compartment. This extracts the latching function from the glove box interior, reducing the volume occupied within the compartment by 15-20%.
Solution Approach 2:
The slider mechanism with nested inner and outer rails provides a compact structure that minimizes space occupation. The rails are positioned to engage with locking snaps located outside the glove box, keeping moving parts compact and space-efficient.
3Ease of operation
If locking snaps with beveled ends are used, then the slider mechanism can be easily operated, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beveled ends are applied locally only to the locking snaps where engagement occurs, rather than requiring precision throughout the entire mechanism. This localized application of beveled surfaces provides easy operation while concentrating manufacturing precision requirements to specific, manageable 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 slider mechanism reduces space occupation by 15-20% and simplifies design, providing easier operation and reduced weight compared to traditional latch mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a spring is provided for biasing the movable outer rail to a latching position
Implementation Method 2
the pair of locking snaps each include a hook end and a beveled end surface
Data Source
AI summary
A glove box assembly for a vehicle includes a glove box compartment pivotally mounted within a recess of a dashboard. A pair of laterally spaced locking snaps mounted to a frame of the dashboard above the recess, the pair of locking snaps each include a hook end and a beveled end surface. A slider mechanism is mounted to the glovebox and engageable with the pair of locking snaps, wherein the slider mechanism includes a fixed inner rail mounted to an interior of the glove box compartment and a movable outer rail slidably mounted to the fixed inner rail, the fixed inner rail and the movable outer rail each include a pair of slots that each receive a respective one the pair of locking snaps.