Vehicle Lock Hook Decoupling for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle center console lock structures generate loud sounds during locking due to the integral formation of the hook and knob, which results in equal operating and locking loads, and increased noise from sliding components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle interior apparatus with a rotatably supported hook and a separate knob mechanism, where the hook is biased independently of the knob spring, allowing for reduced collision noise and minimizing sliding noise by decoupling the hook's movement from the knob's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the hook is formed integral with the knob of the lock releasing structure, then the structure is simplified, but the sound generated when the hook collides with the container at locking time becomes considerably loud
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the integral hook-knob structure into separate components: the hook (4a) is formed separately from the knob (5a). The hook is rotatably supported by the knob, allowing independent movement and biasing. This segmentation enables the hook to engage the container with reduced collision force, significantly decreasing the locking sound noise while maintaining structural simplicity through modular design.
2Device complexity
If the hook is formed integral with the knob of the lock releasing structure, then the structure is simplified, but the sound generated from sliding of the hook and knob relative to the lid increases
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the hook from the knob, the invention eliminates the sliding motion between these two components relative to the lid. The hook rotates on its own axis supported by the knob, while the knob translates linearly. This segmentation removes the source of sliding noise that occurred in the integral structure, reducing overall locking sound while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple modular assembly.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the hook is rotatably supported by the knob with independent biasing spring, then the locking sound is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a second biasing spring (43) that acts specifically on the hook, independent of the knob biasing spring (5b). This separate biasing mechanism allows precise control of the hook's rotational force, enabling quiet locking by reducing collision impact. While this adds a component, the overall complexity remains manageable through the modular segmented design, where each component has a dedicated function.
Solution Approach 2:
The hook is designed to rotate dynamically on its axis rather than translate linearly with the knob. This rotational movement, biased by spring 43, allows the hook to engage the container smoothly with minimal impact. The dynamic rotational mechanism reduces collision noise while the independent biasing provides controlled force, balancing complexity with noise reduction effectiveness.
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 significantly reduces noise during locking by allowing independent biasing of the hook's spring force and decoupling the hook's movement from the knob's operation, enhancing the quiet operation of the lock mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
a hook biasing spring for rotationally biasing the hook in a direction in which the engaging portion of the hook engages the hook receiving portion of the container
Implementation Method 2
a knob biasing spring for biasing the knob in the opposite-push direction of the knob
Data Source
AI summary
A hook of a lock structure is rotatably supported by a knob. Therefore, a biasing force of a hook biasing spring can be regulated independently from a knob biasing spring. Accordingly, the biasing force of the hook biasing spring can be regulated smaller than a biasing force of the knob biasing spring. As a result, sounds generated when locking the lock structure can be decreased.