Vehicle Storage Lid Latch With Nested Spring for Compact Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle storage devices have a large locking device due to the protrusion of the screw coil spring, which increases the size of the device and limits the storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage device with a smaller locking device design, featuring an operation member, an engagement member, a first spring for the operation member's standby position, and a second spring for the engagement member's engagement position, where the first spring is provided through a through hole in the engagement member, allowing for a compact configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screw coil spring is provided on the lid to return the operation member, then the locking device can maintain the lid in a closed condition, but the locking device increases in size due to the protruding spring
Solution Approach 1:
The first spring is nested within the engagement member by passing it through a through hole formed in the engagement member. This nesting arrangement allows the spring to be contained within the engagement member's structure rather than protruding outward, thereby reducing the overall size of the locking device while maintaining the lid-closing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring is repositioned from a protruding external configuration to an internal configuration by passing it through the engagement member. This dimensional reorganization moves the spring from occupying external space to being integrated within the engagement member's volume, reducing the locking device's external dimensions.
2Volume of moving object
If the locking device size is reduced, then the storage portion can be increased, but the locking device must still maintain sufficient biasing force
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the first spring within the engagement member through the through hole, the spring's length is effectively reduced while maintaining its biasing function. This allows the locking device to be more compact, thereby increasing the storage portion volume, while the spring continues to provide sufficient biasing force for the lid-closing operation.
3Volume of moving object
If the first spring is provided through a through hole in the engagement member, then the locking device becomes more compact, but the spring arrangement becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The through hole configuration integrates the first spring within the engagement member's structure, creating a compact nested arrangement. While this requires a through hole feature in the engagement member, it eliminates the need for separate external spring mounting components, thereby reducing overall complexity despite the through-hole requirement.
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 design reduces the size of the locking device, enhances storage capacity, and improves operability by allowing a smaller and more efficient locking mechanism, while maintaining sufficient biasing force and extending the device's lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring that biases the operation member toward a standby position in a locked state
Implementation Method 2
a second spring that biases the engagement member toward an engagement position in which the engagement member is engaged with the storage portion
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle storage device has a locking device that can keep a lid in a closed condition. The locking device includes an operation member for performing an unlocking operation of the lid, an engagement member that is provided such that the engagement member can be engaged with the storage portion and its engaged state is released when the operation member is operated, a first spring that biases the operation member toward a standby position in a locked state, and a second spring that biases the engagement member toward an engagement position in which the engagement member is engaged with the storage portion. The first spring is provided through a through hole formed in the engagement member.