Vehicle Cover Locking Mechanism with Spring-Preloaded Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covering devices for vehicle storage compartments are structurally complex and lack flexibility in configuration, with locking mechanisms that require separate unlocking movements and predefined forces, making them inefficient and user-unfriendly, especially in preventing accidental opening during vehicle accidents.
Innovation Solution
A covering device with spring means that pre-stress the cover into a locked position, allowing for flexible adjustability of unlocking forces and independent retaining and unlocking forces, where manual actuation of an actuating element releases the locking action without additional parts, enabling simple and user-friendly operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device is added to prevent accidental opening during accidents, then the safety and reliability of the cover are improved, but the structural complexity of the covering device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking means with the bearing means into an integrated structure. The locking projections are formed on the bearing grooves, and the latching projections are formed on the cover itself, merging the locking function with the existing bearing structure rather than adding separate locking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover itself forms the latching projections, meaning the cover serves its own locking function. The spring means also serve dual purposes: providing the locking force and enabling the unlocking mechanism through the same structural elements that provide bearing support.
2Reliability
If a separate unlocking movement is required to release the locking action, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The unlocking function is merged with the normal opening movement. When the cover is pulled in the opening direction, the latching projections automatically disengage from the locking projections through the same movement that opens the cover, eliminating the need for a separate unlocking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring means automatically facilitate the unlocking process by providing the necessary force to disengage the latching projections from the locking projections during the opening movement, making the unlocking action self-assisting rather than requiring additional user effort.
3Ease of manufacture
If the unlocking force is predefined by material and geometry of the cover, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the adaptability and flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring means provide adjustable parameters for the unlocking force. By modifying the spring characteristics (material, wire diameter, coil spacing, pre-compression), the unlocking force can be independently adjusted without changing the cover's material or geometry, enabling adaptation to different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The unlocking force mechanism is segmented from the cover structure itself and implemented as a separate spring means. This allows the spring parameters to be independently optimized and adjusted without affecting the cover's structural integrity or material selection.
4Adaptability or versatility
If additional parts are added to enable flexible adjustability of unlocking forces, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring means serve multiple functions: providing the locking force to keep the cover closed, enabling the unlocking mechanism through force storage and release, and allowing adjustable unlocking force. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring means are integrated with the bearing means structure, combining the support function and the locking/unlocking force generation in a single structural element rather than requiring separate mounting structures and force generation 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 solution provides reliable locking against accidental opening during accidents with low manual forces required for unlocking, ensuring high user-friendliness and flexibility in configuration, preventing unintended movement of the cover into the open position.
Implementation Method 1
spring means (54) are provided which prestress the cover (10) into a locked position in the closed position
Implementation Method 2
the locking means are configured in such a way that the locking action of the cover is released in the case of an actuation of the actuating element in the movement direction
Data Source
AI summary
A covering device for a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a cover that is slidably mounted for movement between a closed position and an open position. An actuating element is arranged on the cover for manually actuating the cover to be moved along a movement direction between the closed position and the open position. In the closed position a latching part of the cover engages a projection to lock the cover in the closed position. A spring bias is provided to bias the latching part of the cover into engagement with the projection when the cover is in the closed position. The latching part and the projection are engaged in such a way that a locking action of the latching part on the projection is released by manual actuation of the actuating element in the movement direction.