Vehicle Interior Latch Assembly with Cable Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle latch assemblies are not easy to operate and are often costly to manufacture, leading to potential accidental unlatching and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A latch assembly comprising a base, a cover, a cable, and a button that secures the cover to the base in various positions, using a rack and pinion mechanism and a spring to facilitate smooth operation and secure the cover in closed, intermediate, and open positions, with a remote latching mechanism for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional latching mechanism is used, then the cover can be secured to the base, but the mechanism is difficult to operate and costly to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: a button for user input, a cable for force transmission, and a latch for securing. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and easy to manufacture while collectively providing reliable latching functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
A cable is introduced as an intermediary element between the button and the latch. When the button is pressed, it moves the cable from an extended position to a retracted position, which then actuates the latch. This intermediary mechanism simplifies the overall operation while maintaining secure latching.
2Ease of manufacture
If a conventional latching mechanism is used, then the cover can be secured, but manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components such as a basic cable, a button, and a latch mechanism rather than complex electronic or mechanical systems. These components are easy to manufacture and replace, reducing overall production costs while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts only the essential latching functionality from complex conventional mechanisms, using a minimal set of components (button, cable, latch) to achieve the required function. This extraction of core functionality eliminates unnecessary complexity and reduces manufacturing costs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the latching mechanism is visible, then the functionality is clear, but the aesthetic appeal is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The latching components are nested within the structure of the cover and base assembly. The button, cable, and latch are positioned such that they are concealed within the interior spaces or structural elements, allowing the exterior surfaces to maintain clean, aesthetic lines while the mechanism remains accessible for operation.
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 latch assembly provides easy operation, secure positioning of vehicle interior components, and cost-effective manufacturing, reducing accidental unlatching and enhancing aesthetic appeal by concealing the latching mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The latch assembly may comprise a spring configured to move the cable from the retracted position to the extended position to secure the cover to the base
Implementation Method 2
using a rack and pinion mechanism and a spring to facilitate smooth operation
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a vehicle is disclosed. A component for a vehicle interior may comprise a base, a bin, a cover configured to move relative to the bin from (1) a closed position to cover the bin to (2) an intermediate position to at least partially uncover the bin to (3) an open position to uncover the bin, a latch assembly coupled to the cover configured to release the cover from the base, a latch actuated by the latch assembly and configured to secure the cover to the base and a cable extending between the latch assembly and the latch. The latch may be configured to secure the cover to the base in the closed position, the intermediate position and the open position.