Vehicle Sheet Lock Mechanism with Ratchet Roller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle interior components lack a reliable mechanism to maintain a taut surface when extended, often requiring manual adjustment and failing to provide a rigid structure for user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle component featuring a base, a roller, a sheet that moves between retracted and extended states, and a lock mechanism with a button and spring system that engages teeth to hold the sheet in the extended position, ensuring tension and preventing retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sheet is extended from a retracted state to provide a surface for use, then the sheet can be deployed for occupant use, but the sheet becomes loose and non-rigid without additional mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is pre-configured with a ratchet mechanism and teeth that automatically engage when the sheet is extended, providing immediate rigidity and stability without requiring manual adjustment or additional fastening steps
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism acts as an intermediary between the roller and the sheet, translating the rolling motion into a locked position that maintains sheet tension and rigidity during use
2Stability of the object's composition
If a lock mechanism is added to hold the sheet in extended state, then the sheet remains taut and rigid, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is integrated directly into the roller structure, combining the rolling function with the locking function in a single component rather than adding a separate lock mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The ratchet mechanism automatically engages and disengages based on the direction of roller movement, providing self-locking functionality without requiring external control systems or complex actuation mechanisms
3Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism with teeth is used to prevent sheet retraction, then the sheet remains secured in extended position, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism uses a coarse tooth profile with large engagement angles, transforming the requirement for high precision into a tolerance-friendly design where slight variations in manufacturing do not affect functional reliability
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 component provides a stable, taut surface for user interaction that remains rigid and secure, allowing for easy deployment and stowage, enhancing user convenience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The lock mechanism may comprise a spring configured to bias the arm to engage the set of teeth to hold the sheet in the extended state
Data Source
AI summary
A component for a vehicle may comprise a roller rotatable relative to a base, a sheet coupled to the roller and movable between a retracted state and an extended state, a lock mechanism and a button. The lock mechanism may disengage to allow sheet movement and engage to block sheet movement. The lock mechanism may comprise an arm to engage the teeth on the roller to hold the sheet in the extended state. The button may comprise a latch to prevent engagement. The component may comprise an actuator to move the lock mechanism to block sheet movement and rotate the roller to provide tension in the sheet. The actuator may comprise a motor. The component may comprise a sensor and a controller for the actuator/motor. The component may comprise a cover or retractable table.