Vehicle Storage Flap Locking Mechanism With Decoupled Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices for motor vehicles suffer from poor noise insulation and limited lifespan due to inadequate locking mechanisms that allow noise and vibrations to pass from the storage space to the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with a locking system featuring a continuous bearing surface and a locking portion that decouples attachment from the locking function, utilizing rotational movement and elastic interlocking means, such as flexible arms with circumferential grooves, to provide improved sealing and resistance to vibrations, while allowing easy assembly and replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a locking piece with a single locking function is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the service life and reliability are limited due to leverage wear
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piece is divided into functionally independent segments: a continuous bearing surface for sealing, a locking portion for mechanical engagement, and separate attachment means. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, reducing wear on critical components and extending service life while maintaining operational reliability.
2Device complexity
If a locking piece with integrated attachment and locking functions is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but noise insulation performance deteriorates due to poor sealing
Solution Approach 1:
The locking piece incorporates a continuous bearing surface specifically designed for sealing contact with the hatch, distinct from the locking portion. This local specialization ensures optimal sealing quality at the contact interface, effectively blocking noise transmission while the rest of the structure maintains simple locking functionality.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a locking piece with separate attachment means is used, then the service life is extended, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment means are extracted as separate functional elements from the locking and sealing functions. This allows the locking piece to be attached to the hatch independently, enabling easy replacement of wear-prone attachment components without affecting the core locking mechanism, thereby extending overall system lifespan with minimal complexity increase.
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 effectively reduces noise transmission and extends the service life of the locking mechanism by ensuring a secure, pressure-contact seal and easy maintenance, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the storage device.
Implementation Method 1
said edge being arranged to be in contact with said locking portion in the locked position... These embodiments allow for progressive tensioning of the locking piece, resulting in pressurized contact between the bearing surface of the locking piece and the corresponding bearing surface of the hatch
Implementation Method 2
the fastening means are elastic interlocking means, i.e., clip-on... the fastening means may include at least one flexible arm with a circumferential groove
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a storage device for a vehicle, comprising: - a wall that forms a storage space, - a flap designed to close and open the storage space, and - a locking part designed to pass, by movement, from a locked position, in which the flap is locked to said wall, to an unlocked position, in which the flap is not locked to said wall, said locking part comprising, for this purpose: · a continuous bearing surface designed to be held in contact on a corresponding continuous bearing surface of the flap, · a locking portion designed to be held in contact on said wall, said locking part also comprising separate attachment means for the continuous bearing surface and the locking portion that are designed to attach said locking part to the flap.