Magnetic Locking Unit for Vehicle Tray Collision Protection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing G-sensor mechanisms for vehicle trays are complex and occupy large spaces, with weights used to prevent tray opening during collisions, which complicates the operation and reduces tray space.

Innovation Solution

A locking unit utilizing a magnetic assembly with repulsive force between magnets of the same polarity, where a first disc and a second disc with the same polarity generate a repulsive force to move the magnetic assembly and engage with a rotor, restricting its rotation and preventing the tray from opening during shocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If weights are used to prevent tray opening during collisions, then the G-sensor can lock the heart cam structure, but the structure becomes complicated and occupies large spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical weight-based G-sensor system with a magnetic field-based locking mechanism. Magnets are positioned to create magnetic attraction forces that lock the heart cam structure, eliminating the need for physical weights and complex mechanical linkages. This substitution of mechanical components with magnetic fields directly reduces structural complexity while maintaining locking reliability during collisions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameter from mechanical weight activation to magnetic field strength activation. By adjusting magnetic field parameters (strength, polarity, positioning) rather than mechanical parameters (weight mass, lever arm length), the system achieves the same collision-detection and locking function with simpler structure and reduced space occupation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If weights are used to prevent tray opening during collisions, then the G-sensor can lock the heart cam structure, but the tray space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking performanceVSAvoidtray space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces bulky mechanical weights with compact magnets and magnetic field generation components. This substitution dramatically reduces the volume required for the G-sensor assembly, thereby increasing the available tray space while maintaining the collision-prevention locking function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

By changing from mass-based (weights) to field-based (magnetic) operation, the patent reduces the physical footprint of the G-sensor system. Magnetic fields can be generated and controlled within a much smaller volume compared to mechanical weight systems, directly addressing the tray space reduction issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If traditional G-sensor mechanisms are used, then the tray can be locked during collisions, but the operation mechanism becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecollision protectionVSAvoidoperation mechanism simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical operation mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. The magnets automatically engage and disengage based on collision-induced movement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, levers, and activation mechanisms. This simplifies the operation mechanism while maintaining reliable collision protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic locking system operates automatically based on the physical movement caused by collision. The magnets and magnetic fields self-activate without requiring additional mechanical operation mechanisms, making the system easier to operate (automatically) while maintaining reliable collision protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 solution provides a simple structure and operation mechanism, minimizes mechanical friction, prevents tray opening due to inertia loads, and reduces installation space while maintaining excellent performance.

Implementation Method 1

when a shock is generated, the magnetic assembly moves from inside the case unit to outside the case unit by a repulsive force generated between magnets having a same polarity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic repulsion force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9863168B2Locking unit and G-sensor assembly for vehicle tray using the same

Publication Date: 2018.01.09 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A locking unit may include a case unit fixed to a first object; anda magnetic assembly for selectively engaging with a second object which is disposed outside the case unit, the magnetic assembly movably disposed in the case unit and including a plurality of magnets having a same polarity, wherein when a shock is generated, at least a portion of the magnetic assembly moves from inside the case unit to outside the case unit by a repulsive force generated between the plurality of magnets, thereby engaging with the second object and restricting rotation of the second object.