Automobile Tray Locking Device with Segmented Springs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automobile tray locking devices face challenges in achieving sufficient vertical movement of the latch due to limited installation space, leading to incomplete release from the holding aperture and unregulated operating forces for the knob and latch, affecting operation characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A locking device with a rotating member and separate elastic members for the knob and latch, allowing the latch to achieve a long vertical movement even with a short knob operation, and enabling individual regulation of operating forces through distinct elastic members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spring is used to return both the latch and knob to original positions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the operating forces of the knob and latch cannot be regulated independently
Solution Approach 1:
The single elastic member is divided into two separate elastic members: a first elastic member (spring) that returns the rotating member to its original position, and a second elastic member (spring) that returns the latch member to its original position. This segmentation allows independent regulation of operating forces for the knob and latch, resolving the contradiction between device complexity and ease of operation.
2Area of stationary object
If the knob has a short linear movement distance due to limited installation space, then the device fits in limited space, but the latch cannot achieve sufficient vertical movement distance to be completely released from the holding aperture
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism converts the short horizontal linear movement of the knob into a rotational movement of the rotating member, which then transforms into a vertical movement of the latch member. This dimensional transformation (from horizontal linear to vertical linear via rotation) enables the latch to achieve sufficient vertical movement distance even when the knob has only a short linear movement distance, resolving the contradiction between installation space and latch movement distance.
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
Ensures efficient opening and closing of the tray with improved reliability and operation characteristics by allowing sufficient latch movement and independent regulation of knob and latch forces, enhancing usability in limited spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a first elastic member having one end supported by the mount member and the other end supported by the rotating member, the first elastic member providing the rotating member with an elastic restoration force to allow the rotating member to be returned to its original position
Implementation Method 2
a second elastic member installed between the latch member and the mount member and adapted to provide the latch member with an elastic restoration force, so as to allow the latch member to be returned downward through the bottom opening of the mount member
Data Source
AI summary
A locking device for an automobile tray is disclosed. The locking device includes an inner housing having a front panel formed with a holding recess, an outer housing internally defining an operating space for sliding movement of the inner housing therein, a mount member having a bottom opening for communicating with the holding recess and a front operating opening, a knob partially protruded outward through the operating opening of the mount member, the knob being linearly moved into the operating opening by the user's operation, a rotating member having a hinge shaft connected to the mount member so as to be rotated by the knob, a first elastic member having one end supported by the mount member and the other end supported by the rotating member, to provide the rotating member with an elastic restoration force so as to return the rotating member to its original position, a latch member configured to be caught by one end of the rotating member, the latch member being moved upward by the rotating member so as to be released from the holding recess, and a second elastic member installed between the latch member and the mount member and adapted to provide the latch member with an elastic restoration force so as to allow the latch member to be returned downward through the bottom opening of the mount member.