Modular Latching Assembly for Reconfigurable Vehicle Interiors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle manufacturers face challenges in accommodating diverse passenger needs due to the large number of component variations, leading to limited interior component configurations that cannot be easily customized or relocated.
Innovation Solution
A modular latching system comprising recessed pockets, insert assemblies with locking members, and a release lever allows for quick installation, removal, and relocation of interior components within a vehicle, enabling customization and safety features like controlled locking and breakaway functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers permanently install components into the vehicle interior, then the components are securely fixed and stable, but the components cannot be easily removed or relocated to accommodate different passenger needs
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system is divided into discrete modular components: locking members with lock tabs, slide locks, release levers, and corresponding recessed pockets with locking ports. This segmentation allows the component to be easily detached by actuating the release lever, which moves the slide locks to disengage the lock tabs from the locking ports, enabling relocation to different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching system transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic removable configuration. The release lever enables the locking members to move between locked and unlocked states, allowing the component to be securely fixed during use but easily removed when needed, thus adapting to different passenger requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manufacturers provide a large number of component variations, then all passenger needs can be accommodated, but the device complexity and number of parts increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The latching system provides a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate multiple different interior components (cup holders, phone holders, USB ports, containers) using the same locking structure. Instead of creating unique installation systems for each component type, this single universal latching system reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to accommodate diverse passenger needs through component interchangeability.
3Ease of operation
If the latching system uses simple locking mechanisms, then the component can be easily installed and removed, but the locking reliability and security decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism features a nested structure where lock tabs are inserted into recessed pockets with locking ports, and slide locks are positioned within the locking members to control the engagement of lock tabs. This nested arrangement provides secure locking through multiple interacting elements while maintaining ease of operation via the release lever that coordinates the movement of slide locks to disengage all lock tabs simultaneously.
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 passengers to customize and reconfigure interior components according to their needs, enhancing user convenience and safety by allowing components to be easily moved and secured within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
each of the locking members further includes a spring pushing the lock tabs away from each other
Implementation Method 2
each of the recessed pockets includes a tapered part, and a locking port, and each of the insert assemblies includes a tapered portion entering into the tapered part
Implementation Method 3
The release lever further includes a spring arranged between the lever portion and the panel to push the lever portion in a direction away from the panel
Data Source
AI summary
A modular latching system includes a panel having recessed pockets spaced apart from each other and having lock holes therein; a housing having insert assemblies on one side of the housing, the insert assemblies being spaced apart from each other to be inserted into the recessed pockets; locking members located in each of the insert assemblies and including lock tabs engaging the lock holes, and slide locks attached to the lock tabs so that when the insertion assemblies are inserted into the recessed pockets, the lock tabs enter the lock holes to lock the housing to the panel; and a release lever disposed in the housing and engaging the slide locks so that when the release lever is pushed, the slide locks move to disengage the lock tabs from the lock holes to release the housing from the panel.