Vehicle Compartment Door With Constant-Force Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moving axis door mechanisms in vehicles require multiple springs and dampers, increasing complexity and cost, and often have exposed latching mechanisms prone to contamination.

Innovation Solution

A single constant-force spring and arm mechanism is used to drive the door's movement, with a concealed push-push latching system that reduces the number of springs and dampers and minimizes exposure to debris.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple springs and dampers are used to control door movement, then the door can achieve reliable opening and closing, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor operation reliabilityVSAvoidnumber of springs and dampers

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple springs and dampers into a single integrated constant-force spring mechanism. This single mechanism performs the functions that previously required multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of door operation through controlled rotational and linear motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The constant-force spring is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides both the force needed for door movement and the control for both rotational and linear motion. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate springs and dampers, reducing the overall number of components while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a push-push latch is positioned along the door for easy operation, then the door can be easily latched, but the latch is exposed to contamination from debris

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelatching operation easeVSAvoidlatch exposure to contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The push-push latch is nested within the door structure rather than being positioned on the exterior surface. This nesting conceals the latch mechanism from exposure to debris and contamination while maintaining its functionality, as the latch operates within the protected interior space of the door assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 simplifies the door mounting mechanism, reduces costs, and maintains reliable operation while keeping the latching mechanism concealed from contamination.

Implementation Method 1

a constant-force spring having a coil coupled with one of the door and the compartment and an end coupled with the other of the door and the compartment such that a contraction of the spring causes the door to move with rotation of the arm

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10208518B2Moving axis compartment door

Publication Date: 2019.02.19 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An assembly for mounting a door with a vehicle compartment includes an arm coupled with the compartment and with the door and a constant-force spring having a coil coupled with one of the door and the compartment and an end coupled with the other of the door and the compartment such that a contraction of the spring causes the door to move with rotation of the arm.