Blind for Motor Vehicle Storage Compartment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blinds for closing storage compartments in motor vehicles have linear guide means with large curve radii relative to the length of the slats, leading to design limitations and functionality issues.
Innovation Solution
A blind system utilizing pivotable chain members with slats articulatedly connected, allowing for a small curve radius in the linear guide means, along with snap connections, guide elements, and resilient rattle-reducing elements to enhance functionality and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional rigid slat structures are used with large curve radii, then the blind structure is simple, but the blind cannot achieve compact design and has limited adaptability to different storage compartment geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The blind is divided into multiple slats that can move independently relative to each other. Each slat is connected through a chain mechanism with pivotable joints, allowing individual slats to articulate and adapt to curved paths. This segmentation enables the blind to conform to small curve radii while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind transitions from a rigid static structure to a dynamic articulated structure. The chain members with pivotable joints allow the slats to change their relative positions and orientations dynamically, enabling the blind to adapt to curved guide means with small radii while keeping the guide structure itself simple.
2Adaptability or versatility
If slats are fixed rigidly to the chain members, then the structure is stable, but the slats cannot be exchanged and the appearance is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between slats and chain members is segmented into separate components rather than being integrated rigidly. This allows the slat and chain member to be independently manufactured and assembled, enabling slat exchange while maintaining reliable connection through dedicated attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system allows for dynamic reconfiguration - slats can be attached and detached from chain members. This dynamic attachment capability enables appearance variations through slat exchange while maintaining structural reliability during operation through secure connection mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the linear guide means is exposed, then the structure is simple, but the guide means is prone to soiling and has poor visual appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The slats act as flexible covering elements that extend beyond the guide means to provide protection. These thin planar elements cover the exposed guide structure, preventing soiling while maintaining a clean visual appearance, without requiring additional protective structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The slats serve multiple functions: they provide the closing function of the blind, and simultaneously act as protective covers for the linear guide means. This multi-functionality protects the guide structure from soiling without adding separate protective components, avoiding increased structural complexity.
4Shape
If gaps between chain members and slats are left open, then the structure is simple, but the blind does not provide complete coverage and has poor visual appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The slats are positioned to extend beyond the plane of the chain members in the lateral direction. This dimensional extension ensures that gaps between chain members are covered, providing complete visual coverage and preventing light penetration without requiring additional structural elements to fill the gaps.
Solution Approach 2:
The slats are designed with specific local extensions that target the gap areas between chain members. By concentrating material only where needed for coverage rather than making the entire structure more complex, complete coverage is achieved with minimal additional complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A blind for closing an opening of a storage compartment in a central console of a motor vehicle is provided. In order that a linear guide means of the blind has a small curve radius, the invention proposes to construct the blind with chain members onto which slats are snapped.