Vehicle Overhead Console Assembly Pivot Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead console assemblies for vehicles face challenges in efficient installation and accessibility of storage compartments, often requiring complex assembly processes and additional components that can lead to manufacturing inefficiencies and potential damage during installation.
Innovation Solution
A console assembly with a base and compartment structure featuring a pivot mechanism with projections and apertures, a tab, and a resilient member that facilitates easy alignment and secure attachment of the compartment structure, allowing for rotational movement between closed and open positions without requiring significant physical effort or additional manufacturing steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex assembly process with additional components is used to secure the compartment structure, then the structural integrity and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the securing function and alignment function into a single integrated projection-aperture mechanism. The projections on the compartment structure engage with apertures in the base to simultaneously provide structural support and precise positioning, eliminating the need for separate fasteners and alignment components. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining structural integrity through the unified engagement system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts unnecessary intermediate components from the assembly process. By using direct projection-aperture engagement, the design removes redundant fasteners, clips, or mounting brackets that would otherwise be required. This extraction simplifies the device while the remaining engagement features are optimized to provide sufficient structural integrity for the overhead console application.
2Stability of the object's composition
If traditional mounting methods are used, then structural stability is achieved, but the installation time and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The projection features are pre-formed on the compartment structure during manufacturing, and the aperture locations are pre-defined in the base. This preliminary preparation of engagement features allows for rapid direct installation without requiring additional alignment steps or complex mounting procedures during assembly, thereby increasing productivity while maintaining structural stability through the pre-engineered engagement geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into discrete projection and aperture features that can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately for manufacturing efficiency while the combined engagement system provides the necessary structural stability for the overhead console application.
3Reliability
If multiple components and complex mechanisms are used, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the ease of manufacture and installation are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism merges multiple functions into the projection-aperture engagement system. The same features that provide structural attachment also provide alignment and positioning functions. This consolidation reduces the total number of components that need to be manufactured and assembled, making the manufacturing process easier while maintaining reliable attachment through the integrated engagement features.
4Ease of operation
If a simple mounting mechanism is used, then the ease of operation and installation is improved, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The projection and aperture features are designed with optimized geometric parameters including size, shape, and engagement depth. These parameter changes ensure that the simple direct-engagement mechanism provides sufficient structural integrity to support the overhead console and its contents while maintaining ease of installation. The engagement features are dimensioned to provide adequate strength without requiring complex assembly procedures.
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
The solution enables straightforward and damage-free installation of the storage compartment, enhances accessibility, and reduces assembly time and complexity, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
The tab may be configured to flex in a direction away from the first structure when the compartment structure is assembled to the base
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The vehicle interior component is an overhead console assembly for a vehicle interior. The overhead console may comprise a bezel/base and a storage member coupled to the bezel. The storage member is configured to move between a retracted/closed position and an extended/open position. The bezel provides a resilient member to aid/facilitate installation/attachment of the storage member to the bezel.