Vehicle interior component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components with movable doors lack a mechanism that allows independent and coupled movements of multiple doors, limiting flexibility and user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior component featuring a base, a cover with two doors, and a link mechanism that enables both doors to move together or independently, using a detent mechanism to maintain or alter the effective length of the link for different positions, allowing coupled and decoupled states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If doors are coupled to move together, then coordination and synchronized operation are improved, but flexibility and independent movement capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism transitions between two dynamic states: a coupled state where the link connects both doors to enable synchronized movement, and a decoupled state where the link disconnects to allow independent door operation. This dynamic reconfiguration resolves the contradiction by adapting the coupling behavior based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the connection parameter between doors by transitioning the link between engaged and disengaged positions. When engaged, the link maintains a fixed effective length to couple door movements; when disengaged, the link allows variable positioning to enable independent door operation, thus resolving the contradiction through parameter variation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If doors can move independently, then flexibility and accessibility are improved, but coordination and synchronized operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism dynamically switches between coupled and decoupled states based on operational needs. In the decoupled state, each door can move independently to improve accessibility and flexibility; in the coupled state, the link re-engages to restore coordinated movement, thus resolving the contradiction through dynamic reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The door system is segmented into independently controllable units, with the link acting as an optional coupling element rather than a permanent connector. This segmentation allows doors to operate independently when needed while maintaining the capability for coordinated operation, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and coordination.
3Ease of operation
If a link mechanism is added to couple doors, then coordinated movement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is designed to automatically transition between coupled and decoupled states based on the relative positions of the doors, without requiring external control systems. The detent mechanism self-activates when the link reaches specific positions, reducing complexity by eliminating the need for motors, sensors, or control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the link and the door mounting structures. It provides the coupling and decoupling function through simple mechanical engagement features (protrusions and recesses), avoiding the need for complex actuation systems while still achieving the desired coordinated movement capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the link effective length is changed, then independent door movement is improved, but link mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The link is segmented into multiple rigid sections that can be rotated relative to each other about pivot points. By rotating these sections, the effective length of the link changes in discrete steps, providing variable door positioning capability while maintaining a relatively simple structure compared to continuously adjustable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The link effective length is dynamically adjusted based on the operational state. In the coupled state, the link maintains a fixed effective length for synchronized door movement; in the decoupled state, the link can assume different lengths to accommodate independent door positioning, thus achieving flexibility without requiring a continuously variable mechanism.
Data Source
Figure 1A~2D
Figure 3A~3I
Figure 4
AI summary
A vehicle interior component is disclosed. The component may comprise a base with cover. The cover may comprise a first door and a second door coupled by a link/link mechanism; each door may be movable between a closed position and an open position. The link may comprise an effective length in a default length to couple door movement and when both doors are open and/or closed; the effective length may comprise a non-default length to allow movement of one door relative to the other door. The link may comprise a first member and a second member movable relative to the first member; the second member may extend and/or retract relative to the first member. The link mechanism may comprise a detent mechanism with notch and/or projection to retain the link at the default length. The link mechanism may comprise a spring mechanism.