Pivoting End Cap Door with Spring Bias
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current automotive designs with open storage compartments in panel end caps are unsightly and prone to items shifting or falling during transport, and existing hinged or sliding doors are impractical due to space constraints, requiring a solution that maintains aesthetics and securely closes the compartment.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting door mechanism that rotates rearward and downward, spring-loaded to automatically return to the closed position, fitting within the tight space between the instrument panel and vehicle door assembly, with guide members and a biasing mechanism to ensure secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a door or cover is added to close the storage compartment when the vehicle door is open, then the aesthetic appearance is improved and items are retained, but the device complexity increases and space requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed to pivot dynamically between closed and open positions based on vehicle door position. The biasing member provides automatic closing force, making the system adaptive to usage conditions without requiring complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically closes the door after opening, eliminating the need for manual closing operation. The system serves itself by using the spring force to return to closed position, reducing operational complexity.
2Reliability
If a hinged or sliding door is used in known technology, then the storage compartment can be closed, but the door cannot protrude further than the existing end cap due to space constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The door pivots in a direction that utilizes the lateral space within the end cap housing rather than protruding outward. By rotating the door within the existing footprint, the invention achieves closure functionality without increasing the external dimensions beyond the end cap boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The door mechanism is nested within the end cap housing structure. The pivot axis and door movement are contained within the existing housing boundaries, allowing the door to function without extending beyond the end cap's external envelope.
3Ease of operation
If the door is made accessible when the vehicle door is open, then access to the storage compartment is enabled, but the door may break the panel end cap cover when the vehicle door is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The door acts as an intermediary element between the storage compartment and the vehicle door. By positioning the door to pivot within the end cap housing and using the biasing member to control its movement, the system prevents direct contact and potential damage between the vehicle door and the panel end cap cover.
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 pivoting door assembly maintains a clean appearance, prevents items from falling during transport, and automatically closes, ensuring the panel end cap cover does not break when the vehicle door is closed, addressing both functionality and aesthetics within limited space constraints.
Implementation Method 1
A biasing member is coupled to the housing and the cover to bias the cover to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A cover assembly for a panel end cap includes a housing having an aperture, wherein the aperture opens into a storage compartment which laterally extends into an instrument panel of a vehicle. A cover is pivotally coupled to the housing for covering the housing aperture in a closed position and allowing access to the storage compartment in an open position. A biasing mechanism is coupled to the housing and the cover to bias the cover to the closed position.