Sliding Center Console Fastener for Impact Energy Absorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
During vehicle impacts, occupants may move and collide with the center console, leading to potential injuries due to the momentum of the vehicle, as existing designs do not effectively absorb or dissipate the energy from such collisions.
Innovation Solution
A center console design featuring openings with enlarged portions and slot portions that allow fasteners to slide relative to the floor, enabling the console to release from its engaged position to a disengaged position upon sufficient force, thereby absorbing energy and reducing the risk of injury to occupants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the center console is fixed rigidly to the floor, then structural stability is improved, but injury risk to occupants during impact increases
Solution Approach 1:
The center console transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system with multiple states. The console can slide along the longitudinal axis when force is applied during impact, allowing it to move and absorb energy while maintaining structural integrity. This dynamic behavior reduces the harmful fixed structure effect on occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system changes its mechanical parameters based on applied force. Under normal conditions, the console maintains a fixed state with high stability. During impact, the fasteners allow sliding motion, changing the system from rigid to movable, thereby absorbing impact energy and reducing injury risk.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the center console is made movable to absorb impact energy, then injury risk is reduced, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs conditional mobility where the console remains fixed during normal operation but becomes movable during impact. The fastening mechanism with slot portions and enlarged portions creates a dynamic system that adapts its stability characteristics based on the operational state, maintaining stability when needed and allowing movement for safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is segmented into multiple components (fasteners with shafts, slot portions, enlarged portions) that work together to provide both fixed and movable functionality. This segmentation allows the system to exhibit different mechanical behaviors - stable when engaged and movable when force is applied - resolving the contradiction between stability and mobility.
3Loss of energy
If the center console releases completely from the floor during impact, then energy absorption is maximized, but control over the console's movement is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system provides controlled dynamics rather than complete freedom of movement. The console can slide along the longitudinal axis within the constraints of the slot portions, allowing energy absorption through movement while maintaining operational control. The system is dynamic but not uncontrolled.
Solution Approach 2:
The fasteners act as intermediary elements between the console and the floor. They mediate the interaction by allowing controlled sliding motion through the slot portions while maintaining connection. This intermediary mechanism enables energy absorption through movement while preserving control, preventing complete detachment.
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 design effectively absorbs energy from the occupant's lower body during impacts, reducing the risk of injury by allowing the center console to slideably release from the floor, thus mitigating the force of the collision.
Implementation Method 1
The slot portion may be slideable relative to the shaft. The center console may include a bottom adjacent to the floor and openings. At least some of the openings have an enlarged portion spaced from the bottom and a slot portion extending from the enlarged portion to the bottom.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a floor and a center console supported by the floor. The center console includes a bottom adjacent to the floor and openings. At least some of the openings have an enlarged portion spaced from the bottom and a slot portion extending from the enlarged portion to the bottom. Fasteners are disposed in the enlarged portion and fixed relative to the floor.