Motor Vehicle Storage Compartment Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking mechanisms for storage compartment covers in motor vehicles are not reliable under high acceleration forces and have complex structures, leading to instability and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a spring-loaded mechanism featuring a first latching element on the cover and a second latching element in a guide track, actuated by a pivotable lever and button, ensuring secure locking and easy operation under high acceleration forces without complex structures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heart curve guide track mechanism is used for locking the storage compartment cover, then the locking mechanism can provide a locking function, but the structure becomes complex and the latching element can be thrown out under high acceleration forces
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into two separate latching elements (first latching element on the cover, second latching element in the housing) that work independently but cooperatively. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by eliminating the complex heart curve guide track while maintaining reliable locking through the combined action of both latching elements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a complex curved guide track to control the latching element's movement path, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple linear guide track combined with a pivotable lever mechanism. The lever translates linear button movement into the necessary latching/unlatching motion, simplifying the structure while improving reliability under acceleration.
2Ease of operation
If a heart curve guide track mechanism is used for locking the storage compartment cover, then the locking mechanism can provide a locking function, but the operating mechanism becomes complex and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into simple, manufacturable components: a button with linear movement, a pivotable lever, and two separate latching elements. Each component can be manufactured independently using standard processes, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to a single complex heart curve mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention simplifies the operating mechanism by inverting the traditional approach: instead of a complex curved track guiding a single latching element, it uses a simple linear button press that moves a pivotable lever, which in turn controls the second latching element. This inversion dramatically reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a spring-loaded two-element latching system is used, then reliable locking under high acceleration forces is achieved, but the mechanism requires more components
Solution Approach 1:
The spring loading function is merged with the latching mechanism itself rather than being a separate system. The spring is integrated into the second latching element's guide track, providing both the locking force and the reset function in a single integrated component assembly, thus not increasing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotable lever serves multiple functions: it translates the button's linear movement into lateral movement of the second latching element, it provides mechanical advantage for easy operation, and it works cooperatively with the spring to provide both locking and resetting functions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components.
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 solution provides reliable locking and easy operation of storage compartment covers under high acceleration forces, reducing complexity and construction costs while ensuring secure closure and opening with minimal effort.
Implementation Method 1
The actuating part, together with the lever and the second latching element, can be moved relative to the housing from an initial position—in particular against a spring force—into an actuating position
Implementation Method 2
The second latching element is arranged on a lever so as to be movable together with the lever. The lever is arranged pivotably on an operating part or a button
Implementation Method 3
The storage compartment cover can then be opened, for example, with the help of the spring force and/or due to gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~9
AI summary
The device (1) has a fishing hook (4) that is arranged on a storage compartment cover (2). A guide pin (5) is movably guided in a guide track (9) of the housing (3). An actuating element (8) is latched together with a lever (6) and the guide pin relative to the housing. The guide pin is arranged in a locking position in the guide track, and the hook is locked. The guide pin is arranged in a release position in the guide track, and the hook is unlocked for opening a storage compartment cover. An independent claim is included for a storage compartment for a motor vehicle.