Vehicle Interior Cover Latch for Rollover Inertia Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components lack an effective mechanism to securely maintain a cover in a closed position during events like rollovers, relying on friction, hinges, or magnets that may fail under high forces.
Innovation Solution
A latch mechanism actuated by an external/inertia force, utilizing a torsion spring, cantilever spring, and magnet arrangement to securely keep the cover closed during events, transitioning to an unlatched state post-event.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If friction, hinges, or magnets are used to keep the cover closed, then the structure is simple, but the reliability fails under high forces during rollover events
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is self-actuating through inertia force during rollover events. The mass element creates inertia force that automatically triggers the latch to engage without external intervention, and the spring automatically returns it to unlatched position after the event, making the system self-service and reliable under high-force conditions
Solution Approach 2:
A mass element is introduced into the latch mechanism that creates inertia force during rollover events. This mass acts as a counterweight that generates the necessary force to trigger the latch engagement, converting the harmful rollover motion into a useful locking action that secures the cover
2Reliability
If a latch mechanism is added to secure the cover during events, then reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is divided into functional segments: a mass element for inertia force generation, a spring for return action, and a latch element for engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple and reliable
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism comprises a latch element, a spring element, and a mass element. During normal operation, the spring keeps the latch disengaged. During rollover, inertia force on the mass triggers the latch to engage, securing the cover. After the event, the spring returns the latch to its original position. This inversion transforms a simple structure into a reliable event-responsive system
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
Effectively secures the cover in a closed position during high-force events and returns to an unlatched state post-event, enhancing safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the magnet arrangement is configured to provide magnetic repulsion to move the latch toward an intermediate position between the retracted position and the extended position
Implementation Method 2
the latch mechanism is configured to actuate to the latched state when the vehicle is subjected to the external force F
Implementation Method 3
the latch mechanism may comprise a latch configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position through an intermediate position; the latch mechanism is configured to actuate to the latched state when the vehicle is subjected to the external force F
Data Source
Figure 1A~3B
Figure 4A~5B
Figure 6A~6D
AI summary
A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a cover moveable relative to a base and a latch mechanism to provide an unlatched state for the cover and a latched state when actuated by an external/inertia force (e.g. in an event such as a rollover). The latch mechanism may comprise a latch/member extending through an opening in the cover into the base when the cover is closed and retracted into the cover when the cover is open. When the cover is closed, the latch mechanism may provide an unlatched state with the latch in an intermediate position (for an occupant's ordinary use) and a latched state with the latch fully extended to engage a catch in the base (upon the event providing the external force to prevent the cover opening). The component may comprise a console providing a storage compartment or an armrest.