Mobile Interior Shutter Assembly for Removable Console Storage Flaps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage boxes in vehicle central consoles have complex assembly and non-removable flaps, requiring a pronounced hollow shape for sufficient storage volume, which complicates production and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A storage box design with a removable flap connected via pivot connections on side walls, using rotation and locking mechanisms with recesses and protrusions for easy assembly and operation, allowing the flap to be locked in open or closed positions with reduced parts and simplified assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rotation axis is arranged on the edge of the box opening, then the flap can pivot to block access, but the flap must have a pronounced hollow shape to provide sufficient storage volume, complicating production and assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflap blocking functionVSAvoidflap shape complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention moves the rotation axis from the edge of the opening to the center of the opening. This dimensional repositioning allows the flap to be substantially flat rather than hollow, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the blocking function when the flap is in the closed position

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If the flap is connected with a fixed rotation axis on the edge of the opening, then the flap can pivot, but the connection is not removable and mounting is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflap pivoting functionVSAvoidconnection structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the connection system into separate components: rotation recesses in the box and rotation protrusions on the flap. These segmented elements can be assembled and disassembled independently, making the flap removable while maintaining smooth pivoting operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the flap is held in open position without locking means, then the structure is simpler, but the flap cannot be secured and requires manual support

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanismVSAvoidflap positioning stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system uses self-engaging protrusions and recesses that automatically lock when the flap reaches the open position, and self-unlocking when the flap is closed. This self-service mechanism provides stable positioning without requiring continuous manual support or complex actuated locking systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4185490B1Storage with mobile interior shutter
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4185490B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4185490B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Disclosed is a storage box (2) comprising side walls (201, 203, 204) and a bottom wall (202), a closure shutter (3) disposed between the opening (22) and the bottom wall (202), which can move by rotation between a closed position and an open position, connected by a pivot link on two of the side walls (201) facing each other, characterised in that the storage box (2) comprises rotation recesses on the two side walls (201) facing each other and the shutter (3) comprises two projecting rotating elements disposed on two opposite edges of the shutter (3), each inserting into one of the rotation recesses so as to guide the rotation of the shutter (3) about an axis of rotation passing through these two rotation elements.