Sliding Center Console Rack Drive for Collision-Free Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manually moving a center console in vehicles requires significant effort and can be awkward, and existing electro-mechanical mechanisms may not meet user expectations for speed, can cause collisions, and suffer from excessive free play and noise issues due to inadequate mounting.
Innovation Solution
A sliding center console frame assembly with a gearbox assembly, pinion, and elongated rack that allows for controlled movement, incorporating a backlash reduction member and sensors to prevent collisions and ensure smooth operation, with a controller to manage the pinion's rotation based on sensor feedback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed center console is used between second row seats, then structural simplicity is maintained, but ingress to the third row of seats is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The center console is designed with a movable portion that can slide between forward and rearward positions along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle. This dynamic configuration allows the console to transition from blocking to non-blocking positions, enabling third row ingress when needed while maintaining structural integrity
2Ease of operation
If manual movement of the center console is implemented, then structural simplicity is maintained, but significant effort and awkward operation are required
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical movement system is replaced with an electro-mechanical system comprising an electric motor, pinion gear, and rack mechanism. The motor drives the pinion which engages with the rack attached to the movable console, converting rotational motion into linear displacement to slide the console forward or rearward with minimal user effort
Solution Approach 2:
A switch mechanism serves as an intermediary between the user and the motor system. When the switch is actuated, it triggers the motor to operate, which then drives the pinion-rack mechanism to move the console. This intermediary system translates a simple user input into controlled mechanical movement
3Ease of operation
If electro-mechanical mechanisms are used for center console movement, then ease of operation is improved, but collision risks and noise issues arise due to inadequate mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting structure is designed to pre-establish a rigid connection between the motor assembly and the vehicle floor through the base member. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures stable positioning of the motor and pinion mechanism, preventing excessive free play and reducing operational noise before movement occurs
Solution Approach 2:
Sensors are integrated into the system to detect the position and movement status of the center console. This feedback mechanism allows the control system to monitor the console's movement in real-time, enabling collision detection and prevention by stopping or reversing motor operation when obstacles are detected
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
Enables effortless and precise movement of the center console, preventing collisions and reducing noise by ensuring a rigid interface and controlled movement, meeting user expectations for speed and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a pinion configured to rotate in a first or second direction to translate the carrier member and the elongated rack from a first position to a second position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~4
AI summary
A sliding vehicle center console is provided. The center console may include an elongated rack, including an elongated rack, defining a plurality of teeth, a carrier member coupled to the rack, and a gearbox assembly including a pinion configured to rotate in a first or a second direction to translate the carrier member and the elongated rack from a first position to a second position. The sliding vehicle center console may also include a controller configured to change the rotation of the pinion from one of the first or second directions to the other directions, responsive to a comparison of a sensor value to a threshold condition.