Upper Glove Box Door with Instrument Panel Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upper glove boxes in automotive vehicles create an unfinished appearance due to a visible space 'reveal' between the upper edge of the door and the instrument panel, particularly when a soft instrument panel surface is used, as it is challenging to extend the soft material into the reveal space behind the upper glove box door.
Innovation Solution
An upper glove box design featuring a soft foam material with a flexible skin overlay on a rigid instrument panel substrate, where the instrument panel is formed to extend into the reveal space with a curved finish surface, and a door panel that rotates upward and outward, allowing the flexible skin to be visible and creating a continuous appearance when closed, with a spring damper controlling the door's opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a soft instrument panel surface material is used, then the aesthetic appearance and comfort are improved, but it is difficult to extend the material into the reveal space behind the upper glove box door
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel is segmented into two distinct parts: a hard substrate portion that forms the structural base and extends into the reveal space, and a soft finish material that is applied only to the visible forward portion. This segmentation allows each part to serve its optimal function without the constraints of the other.
Solution Approach 2:
A hard intermediate layer or substrate is introduced between the structural support and the soft finish material. This intermediary hard portion extends into the reveal space to provide a finished appearance, while the soft material is applied only where aesthetically required, solving the extension problem.
2Ease of operation
If an upwardly hinged door panel is used, then the access to the glove box is improved, but a visible space reveal appears between the door and instrument panel creating an unfinished appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument panel surface is segmented into a hard substrate portion extending into the reveal space and a soft finish material applied only to the visible forward portion. This allows the upward-hinged door to function properly while the hard substrate maintains the finished appearance in the reveal space.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the instrument panel are given different qualities: the hard substrate provides structural continuity and finished appearance in the reveal space, while the soft material provides aesthetic comfort only in the visible forward area where it can be properly applied.
3Ease of manufacture
If the flexible skin material is extended into the reveal space, then the integrated appearance is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the panel into a hard substrate that extends into the reveal space to provide the finished appearance, eliminating the need to extend soft material into that area. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each material to be applied only where appropriate.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the soft material backward into the reveal space (the conventional approach), the invention inverts the approach by using a hard substrate to extend forward into the reveal space, while the soft material remains confined to the visible forward portion.
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 provides a visually integrated appearance of a continuous soft instrument panel material above the closed or partially opened door, enhancing the aesthetic appeal while ensuring a functional and controlled door operation.
Implementation Method 1
an upwardly opening door panel is controlled with a spring damper to resist the spring bias forces provided to open the door panel when its latch is released
Data Source
AI summary
An upper glove box for the passenger side of an automotive vehicle in which a door is upwardly hinged and has an upper edge that is received into a void defined in the instrument panel when the door is opened. The revealed wall forward of the opening of the void is an integral portion of the foam injected instrument panel to provide the desired aesthetics.