Vehicle Interior Cover Linkage for Coordinated and Independent Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components lack a mechanism to efficiently coordinate the movement of multiple covers between closed and open positions, leading to inefficient use of storage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a base, a first cover, a second cover, and a link with arms and springs that couple or decouple the movement of the covers, allowing one cover to remain open while the other moves to closed, and a spring mechanism to facilitate coordinated movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a link mechanism is added to couple movement of multiple covers, then coordination and usability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is segmented into a first arm and a second arm that can independently rotate about a shaft. This segmentation allows each arm to control one cover separately while still being part of a coordinated system, resolving the contradiction by making the complexity manageable and functional.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism acts as an intermediary between the two covers, mediating their movement coordination. The spring-loaded protrusion and depression engagement provides a controlled coupling that coordinates cover movement without requiring direct mechanical connection between the covers themselves.
2Ease of operation
If the link mechanism is configured to always couple movement of covers, then coordination is improved, but flexibility and adaptability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism transitions from a static coupled state to a dynamic decoupled state through spring-loaded engagement and disengagement of protrusion and depression. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt between coordinated movement and independent positioning, resolving the contradiction between coordination and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement parameter of the link mechanism changes from engaged to disengaged state. When engaged, the covers move in coordination; when disengaged (via spring compression), the covers can be positioned independently. This parameter change enables the system to switch between operational modes as needed.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a spring mechanism is added to enable decoupling of cover movement, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables decoupling of cover movement, provides biasing force for engagement, and allows controlled disengagement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate mechanisms, making the added complexity worthwhile and efficient.
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
Enables efficient use of storage space by allowing one cover to remain open while the other moves to closed, enhancing usability and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
When an external force is applied to move the first cover from the open position toward the closed position, the spring may be compressed to disengage the protrusion and the depression to enable the first arm and the second arm to move relative to one another
Implementation Method 2
The spring may be configured to bias the first arm to engage the second arm
Data Source
Figure 1A~1F
Figure 2A~2I
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The vehicle interior component may comprise a base providing a compartment, two covers moveable between closed and open positions and a link to couple and decouple movement of the covers. One of the covers may remain open as the other is closed. The link may comprise two arms; one arm may move relative to the other to enable relative movement of the covers. One arm may comprise a depression and the other may comprise a protrusion to engage the depression to couple movement of the arms. The link may comprise a spring to hold the protrusion with the depression to couple movement of the arms; the spring may compress to enable disengagement of the protrusion and depression to enable relative movement of the covers. The component may comprise at least one of a console, a center console, a floor console.