Vehicle Instrument Panel Glovebox With Integrated Latch and Soft-Open
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manufacturing processes for vehicle instrument panels with multiple components are complex and require additional solutions for streamlining.
Innovation Solution
An instrument panel design that integrates a glovebox aperture and assembly with unitarily formed actuation and latch apertures, incorporating a damper assembly to slow transitions and a shaft for rotation, enhancing manufacturing efficiency by reducing components and assembly steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used for glovebox aperture, actuation surface, and latch aperture, then each component can be optimized independently, but the manufacturing process becomes complex with many assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel integrates the glovebox aperture, actuation surface, and latch aperture into a single unitarily formed component. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate parts and their corresponding assembly steps, directly reducing manufacturing process complexity while maintaining the ability to optimize the integrated structure for precision
2Ease of operation
If a traditional glovebox assembly without damping is used, then the structure is simpler, but the transition from stowed to deployed position is abrupt and lacks controlled movement
Solution Approach 1:
A damper assembly is introduced as an intermediary component between the glovebox assembly and instrument panel. This damper includes a damper arm with a ball joint that couples to the instrument panel, providing controlled resistance during the transition from stowed to deployed position. The intermediary damper mechanism smooths the motion without requiring complete redesign of the glovebox structure
3Speed
If the glovebox assembly is directly coupled to the instrument panel without intermediate damping mechanisms, then the coupling is simpler, but the transition speed is uncontrolled and may cause impact
Solution Approach 1:
The damper arm with ball joint serves as an intermediary coupling mechanism between the glovebox assembly and instrument panel. This intermediary structure provides controlled transition speed through the damping action while maintaining a relatively simple coupling architecture compared to alternative controlled mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The damper assembly introduces dynamic resistance to the glovebox transition motion. The damper gear engages with rack teeth to provide velocity-dependent damping force, controlling the transition speed from stowed to deployed position and preventing abrupt impacts while the system remains in motion
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
Facilitates streamlined manufacturing and assembly processes by integrating components, providing a smooth and controlled operation of the glovebox assembly, and improving user experience with soft-open functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the damper gear provides a drag force that slows actuation of the rack and thereby slows the transition of the glovebox assembly from the stowed position to the deployed position
Implementation Method 2
The travel stop is configured to engage with a rearward edge of a portion of the instrument panel that defines the latch aperture. The travel stop physically contacts the rearward edge of the portion of the instrument panel that defines the latch aperture when the glovebox assembly is in the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument panel for a vehicle includes a glovebox aperture and a glovebox assembly. The glovebox aperture is defined by the instrument panel. A perimeter of the glovebox aperture defines an actuation surface and a latch aperture such that the actuation surface and the latch aperture are unitarily formed with the instrument panel. The glovebox assembly includes a storage compartment and a latch assembly. The glovebox assembly is received within the glovebox aperture. The glovebox assembly is operable between a stowed position and a deployed position relative to the glovebox aperture. The latch assembly includes a latch that is configured to be received within the latch aperture when the glovebox assembly is in the stowed position.