Unitary Polymeric Glove Compartment With Hinge Mounts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glove compartments in vehicles often lack modular design flexibility and efficient compartmentalization, which can lead to suboptimal use of space and assembly efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A unitarily formed polymeric carrier with distinct compartments and pivotally mounted doors, featuring hinge arms and mounts for compact design and easy assembly, along with optional flexible retainers and location ribs for instrument panel alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional glove compartments are used, then the structure is simple, but the compartmentalization efficiency and space utilization are suboptimal
Solution Approach 1:
The glove compartment is divided into multiple distinct compartments (upper, lower, and intermediate compartments) within a single unitarily formed polymeric carrier. This segmentation allows for flexible organization of different items while maintaining a unified structural base, resolving the contradiction between compartmentalization flexibility and structural simplicity.
2Productivity
If conventional glove compartments are used, then the assembly process is straightforward, but the assembly efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components including the carrier, doors, hinge mounts, and location ribs are integrated into a single unitarily formed polymeric structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate assembly steps for these components, significantly improving assembly efficiency and reducing assembly time while maintaining straightforward assembly procedures.
3Reliability
If conventional glove compartments are used, then the design is compact, but the door operation security is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mounts serve multiple functions: they provide pivot points for door rotation, act as structural support elements, and function as integration points for the unitarily formed polymeric carrier. This multi-functionality enhances door operation security without requiring additional complex components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A glove compartment for a vehicle includes a carrier that is unitarily formed of a polymeric material. The carrier includes a distinct upper compartment, a distinct lower compartment, and a distinct intermediate compartment that is between the upper compartment and the lower compartment. A first door is mounted on the carrier and is moveable between open and closed positions with respect to the lower and intermediate compartments. A second door is mounted on the carrier and is movable between open and closed positions with respect to the upper compartment. The second door can include first and second hinge arms that extend outwards from a door panel. The hinge arms are received through first and second openings in the upper compartment and are pivotally supported on first and second hinge mounts that are situated outside of the upper compartment.