Hook and Latch Dashboard Attachment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current screw-based attachment systems for dashboards in vehicles face challenges such as difficult access and mounting clearances, requiring disassembly and reassembly of dashboard elements and potential misalignment during assembly.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a hook mechanism that engages with a slot and uses a movable locking latch, actuated by a pneumatic cylinder, allowing for secure attachment without the need for direct access to screws, utilizing a sliding latch and elastic biasing for positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screw-based attachment systems are used to fix the dashboard to the chassis, then the attachment strength is sufficient, but the access to the attachment means becomes difficult and requires disassembly of dashboard elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the attachment function from traditional screw mechanisms and relocates it to the peripheral corners of the dashboard support beam. The attachment means are integrated into the beam structure itself, with hooks that engage with the chassis and locking latches that secure the connection. This extraction eliminates the need for separate screw fasteners and provides easy access to the attachment points without requiring disassembly of dashboard elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary locking latch mechanism that mediates between the hook-shaped attachment means and the chassis. The locking latch engages with the hook to provide secure attachment while remaining externally accessible. This intermediary element allows the attachment system to maintain both strength and ease of operation, as the latch can be engaged and disengaged without removing the entire attachment assembly.
2Reliability
If screw mechanisms are used for dashboard attachment, then the connection is secure, but mounting clearances and alignment become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic locking latch mechanism that can move between engaged and disengaged positions. The locking latch is biased by elastic means to automatically engage with the hook-shaped attachment means, providing secure connection. The dynamic nature of the latch allows it to accommodate minor misalignments and mounting clearances while maintaining reliable attachment, eliminating the precision alignment requirements of fixed screw mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from rigid screw fastening to a flexible hook-and-latch system. The hook-shaped means can engage with the chassis at varying positions within a tolerance range, and the locking latch provides secure connection regardless of minor parameter variations in mounting clearance or alignment. This parameter flexibility resolves the contradiction between connection security and manufacturing precision requirements.
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 system enables secure attachment of dashboard components to the vehicle chassis without the need for screw access, ensuring proper alignment and eliminating the need for disassembly and reassembly, thereby simplifying the assembly process and reducing mounting errors.
Implementation Method 1
a locking latch (9) which can be moved by sliding in a slideway (10) of the plate against the biasing of elastic means
Implementation Method 2
the actuating means comprise a pneumatic cylinder
Data Source
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AI summary
This system for attaching two pieces to each other is characterized in that one of the pieces has hook-shaped means (1) adapted to engage in a light (L) of the other piece and to cooperate with locking means (2), movable between a retracted position for mounting/dismounting the two pieces and an active position for attaching the two pieces under the control of actuating means (3).