Vehicle Compartment Locking Mechanism Tactile Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle compartment locking mechanisms lack clear tactile feedback when the push button is pressed, leading to unintended further pressing due to the absence of distinct spring force reduction.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle compartment with a locking mechanism featuring a movable push button, a movement transmission element, and an elastic restoring element with two spring arms, where the first spring arm is linearly deflected and the second spring arm slides away upon reaching a predetermined movement distance, providing noticeable tactile feedback through a reduction in counteracting spring force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a helical compression spring is used as the return element, then the push button can be pushed back into its rest position, but no clear tactile feedback is provided to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The return element is segmented into multiple spring arms (at least two spring arms) instead of using a single helical compression spring. Each spring arm can be independently configured to perform specific functions: one spring arm provides linear deflection for tactile feedback, while another spring arm provides rotational return force. This segmentation allows the system to provide clear tactile feedback through linear spring force while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring arms are designed to dynamically change their interaction with the motion transmission element during operation. As the motion transmission element moves, it transitions from sliding on one spring arm to sliding over another spring arm, creating a dynamic change in the force characteristics that provides tactile feedback to the operator.
2Reliability
If the push button is pressed further than necessary due to lack of feedback, then the locking mechanism may be damaged or wear increases, but the operator receives no indication to stop pressing
Solution Approach 1:
The linearly deflectable spring arm provides tactile feedback to the operator during the pressing operation. As the motion transmission element moves and slides on the spring arm, the operator can feel the spring force through the push button, providing clear feedback about the pressing distance and when to stop. This feedback mechanism prevents excessive pressing that could damage the locking mechanism or increase wear.
3Device complexity
If a simple spring mechanism is used, then the construction remains simple, but tactile feedback is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the spring element have different functional qualities. One spring arm is configured for linear deflection to provide tactile feedback, while another spring arm is configured for rotational movement to provide the return force. This local differentiation of qualities within the spring element allows the system to achieve both simplicity and effective tactile feedback without requiring complex mechanisms.
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 mechanism offers improved tactile feedback to the operator, ensuring the locking mechanism is unlocked at a specific distance, allowing for a simple, robust, and durable implementation.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic return element, wherein the elastic spring element has at least two spring arms, of which at least one first spring arm can be deflected exclusively linearly when the motion transmission element moves
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle compartment with a loading opening that can be covered by a movable cover, and with a manually operated locking mechanism for locking the cover in its closed position covering the loading opening, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a movable push button, a locking element that can be unlocked by displacement of the motion transmission element, and an elastic return element. The present invention also relates to a vehicle with at least one such vehicle compartment. The present invention further relates to a method for opening a cover that can be detachably locked on a vehicle compartment, in which a push button is moved from its rest position by the application of an external force, at least one elastically deformable return element is linearly deflected by the displacement, and a locking element is moved into an unlocked position.The procedure can be taught analogously to the automotive engineering course and yields the same advantages.