Two-Direction Locking Element for Automotive Glove Box
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Solution Overview
Problem
Robust locking mechanisms for automotive glove box doors require high locking strength to prevent unwanted opening, but this results in difficulty for users to unlock the door, potentially leading to a perceived mechanical fault and increased costs with electronic control solutions.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical locking device with a locking element that moves in two directions, allowing it to be unlocked without overcoming the biasing force, using a complementary locking element and actuation rod to transition between locked and unlocked positions without electronic control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If robust locking means with high locking strength are used, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is given freedom to move in a second direction (perpendicular to the clamping direction) in addition to its movement in the first direction. This dimensional addition allows the element to be extracted from the housing without overcoming the biasing force, as the extraction path is perpendicular to the clamping direction. The housing includes a extraction opening that allows movement in this second direction, enabling easy unlocking while maintaining strong clamping force in the first direction.
2Strength
If high clamping force is applied to prevent unwanted opening, then the locking strength is improved, but the force required by user to unlock increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element can move in two directions: first direction for clamping (providing locking strength) and second direction for extraction (requiring minimal force). The biasing element maintains strong clamping force in the first direction, while the extraction opening allows the element to be removed in the perpendicular second direction without overcoming the biasing force, thus reducing unlocking force.
Solution Approach 2:
The movement of the locking element is segmented into two independent directions: clamping movement in the first direction (against biasing force for strong locking) and extraction movement in the second direction (perpendicular to biasing force for easy unlocking). This segmentation allows the locking function and unlocking function to operate in different directional planes, decoupling the force requirements.
3Ease of operation
If electronic control systems are added to reduce unlocking effort, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element serves dual functions through its two-directional movement capability. The same element that provides strong clamping in the first direction also enables easy extraction in the second direction. The housing's extraction opening and the element's perpendicular movement capability work together to provide self-service unlocking without requiring electronic actuators, controllers, or power sources, thus maintaining mechanical simplicity.
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 robust locking without requiring significant user effort to unlock, improving perceived quality and eliminating the need for expensive electronic controls, while maintaining the door in a secure closed position.
Implementation Method 1
at least a biasing element for urging the locking element towards its inactive position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The locking device (1) for locking a first element relative to a second element comprises : - one locking element (8) provided on the first element, movable in a first direction (F) between an inactive position and an active position; - a biasing element (20) for urging the locking element (8) towards its inactive position, - one complementary locking element (10) provided on the second element, arranged to move the locking element (8) from its active position to its inactive position and retaining the locking element (8) in its inactive position. The locking element (8) is further movable in a second direction (D) between a locking position and an unlocking position, wherein the locking element (8) is moved away from the complementary locking element (10).