Inertia-Actuated Latch Mechanism for Vehicle Console Cover
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components lack an effective mechanism to securely latch and unlatch covers using inertia force, particularly during impact events, which can lead to unintended opening or closing of storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a latch mechanism actuated by inertia force, comprising a counterweight and spring mechanism that transitions between unlatched and latched states, ensuring the cover remains closed or opens securely based on the applied force, utilizing a counterweight and spring system to engage and disengage with the base.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to securely retain the cover during impact events, then safety and security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism incorporates a counterweight that utilizes inertia forces during impact events to automatically engage and lock the cover in the closed position. The counterweight is positioned and dimensioned to create sufficient inertial force during deceleration to drive the latch into the locked position, providing reliable cover retention without requiring external actuators or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the application and removal of inertial force during impact events. The mechanism self-actuates through the counterweight's inertial response to deceleration, eliminating the need for external control systems, sensors, or power sources. The spring mechanism provides the restoring force to reset the latch after impact.
2Ease of operation
If a manual operation mechanism is provided to open the compartment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism automatically disengages when inertial force is removed after an impact event, allowing the cover to be opened without requiring manual intervention. The spring mechanism automatically resets the counterweight to its initial position, preparing the system for the next impact event. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate manual release mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the latch mechanism uses inertia force to secure the cover, then safety during impact is improved, but the mechanism may fail to activate if inertia force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight is specifically dimensioned and positioned to ensure that during any significant impact event, the inertial force generated is sufficient to overcome spring resistance and drive the latch into the locked position. The counterweight's mass and distance from the rotation axis are calculated to provide the necessary torque threshold for reliable latch activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism's force characteristics are tuned to provide sufficient resistance during normal operation to prevent accidental latching, while still allowing the latch to engage when the inertial force from impact exceeds the spring's restoring force. The spring constant and pre-load are optimized to create a clear threshold for latch activation.
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 mechanism effectively retains the cover in a closed position during inertia events, such as impacts, while allowing manual operation to open the compartment, enhancing safety and usability by ensuring secure storage and easy access.
Implementation Method 1
a latch mechanism configured to provide an unlatched state for the cover and a latched state for the cover, wherein the latch mechanism is configured to provide the latched state when actuated by the inertia force
Implementation Method 2
The latch mechanism may comprise a spring configured to hold the cover in the unlatched state
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior component configured to be actuated by an inertia force is disclosed. The component may comprise a cover moveable relative to a base between closed and open positions and a latch mechanism to provide a latched state for the cover when actuated by the inertia force and to hold the cover in an unlatched state. The latch mechanism may be configured to change state of the cover from the unlatched state to the latched state when actuated by the inertia force. The cover may comprise the latch mechanism. The latch mechanism may extend from the cover in the latched state. The latch mechanism may form a generally continuous surface with a wall of the cover when unlatched. The latch mechanism may comprise a spring to hold the cover in the unlatched state. The component may comprise at least one of a console; center console; floor console; an armrest.