Unitary Resilient Tab Bumper Stop for Tool-Free Glove Box Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional bumper stops for glove boxes are complex and costly due to the use of additional components like rubber or polymer sleeves, and they can inadvertently dislodge, making them difficult to install and remove without tools.
Innovation Solution
A unitary resilient tab bumper stop is integrated into the storage compartment sidewall, featuring a cam face, stop face, and finger tab accessible from the interior, eliminating the need for additional parts and allowing easy insertion and removal without tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional bumper stops with rubber or polymer sleeves are used, then the bumper stop provides quiet operation and secure attachment, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper stop integrates the shaft, attachment features, and bumper elements into a single unitary structure. The shaft is formed as one piece with the attachment portion that engages the aperture, eliminating the need for separate rubber sleeves or polymer components while maintaining secure attachment and quiet operation.
2Reliability
If conventional bumper stops with friction or interference fit attachment are used, then the bumper stop is secured in place, but the ease of installation and removal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment mechanism uses a resilient or movable attachment portion that can be deflected to facilitate installation and removal. The attachment feature may include spring-loaded elements or flexible portions that allow the bumper stop to be easily inserted into and removed from the aperture without tools, while maintaining secure attachment during normal use.
3Reliability
If conventional bumper stops with multiple components are used, then the bumper stop provides stable operation, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper stop is manufactured as a single integrated component where the shaft, attachment features, and bumper elements are formed together. This unitary construction eliminates the need for separate rubber sleeves, polymer components, or multiple metal parts, reducing manufacturing steps, material costs, and assembly operations while maintaining stable operation.
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
This design simplifies manufacturing, reduces costs, and ensures secure, tool-free installation and removal of the glove box, minimizing the risk of dislodgment and maximizing storage compartment usage.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient tab comprises a cam face, a stop face, and a finger tab accessible from an interior of the storage compartment. The stop face is carried by the finger tab whereby a deflecting force applied to the finger tab deflects the stop face from a retaining position to a releasing position.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage compartment for a vehicle glove box includes at least one bumper stop defined by a resilient tab disposed on a storage compartment sidewall, the resilient tab including a cam face, a stop face, and a finger tab accessible from an interior of the storage compartment. The cam face may define an arcuate configuration. The stop face is carried by the finger tab whereby a deflecting force applied to the finger tab deflects the stop face from a retaining position to a releasing position. The storage compartment sidewall defines an aperture disposed to provide access to the finger tab from an interior of the storage compartment. Vehicle glove boxes including the described storage compartment are provided.