Southco offers vehicle manufacturers high quality & flexible glove box latching solutions

For automotive manufacturers, designing glove box latching applications into new vehicles means finding high quality solutions with low tooling costs that are not only functional but also keep up with the latest design trends and help get the finished vehicle to the market faster. Working closely with automotive OEMs, system integrators and first tier suppliers, Southco has developed a wide range of cutting-edge mechanical and electronic glove box latching solutions.

When designing for a glove box latching application, the challenge is to offer flexible, box latching solutions that offer design engineers systems and components that satisfy shifting application trends, keep costs of materials and production down while meeting the preferences of studio designers with reliable, proven solutions that meet industry performance and expectations.

For Southco, primary examples of industry-leading glove box latching systems are the Single Point Rotary Glove Box Latch and the Dual Point Coupler .

Southco Single Point Rotary Glove Box Latch
Southco’s Single Point Rotary Latch is the foundation product for secure, single point latching and provides an economical option for OEM glove box latching applications, meeting the basic requirements of flexibility in changing paddle design and geometry.

The opening efforts of the rotating pawl design are less sensitive to door bumper loading, making this an ideal candidate for applications where materials or build processes may make it difficult to control bumper loading conditions. Closing efforts are predictable, as the total effort is a factor of compressing the bumper or gasket and the additional minimal force to rotate the pawl. The latch also acts as a foundation platform, as the total effort is a factor of compressing the bumper loading conditions. With its simple mounting and panel preparation, this versatile product can also be used in centre console and storage panel latching applications within the vehicle.

Southco also offers an Offset Single Point Rotary Latch for glove box applications where the actuator is placed in a different position than standard, centered location. With a secure, single point latching system, this latch maintains centered door latching strength and alignment and can be easily installed to accommodate bias of both right and left handed actuation.

Operating efforts are easier to control with the Offset Single Point Rotary Latch, which features a pull-out paddle design that allows effortless release and opening ability when actuated. Upon actuation, the paddle’s compression spring triggers the pawl tension spring, releasing the pawl from its housing and allowing the glove box door to be opened. Closing the door is just a simple push-to-close operation.

Southco’s Single point and Offset Single Point Rotary Latches enable automotive manufacturers to easily adapt to design changes and trends in the industry. Additionally, the latches act as complementary mechanisms to applications that have more demanding requirements, such as those specifying different latch points and alternate actuation. With simple mounting and panel preparation, these validated, versatile products are suitable for upper or lower glove box door bins and feature locking and non-locking options.

Southco Dual Point Coupler
The flexibility offered by Southco’s Dual Point Coupler makes it another core glove box solution for the automotive industry. It features a two-point, dependent pawl latching system which retracts both pawls simultaneously, preventing the risk of false latching. Because movement need only be provided to one pawl to operate the latch, the Dual Point Coupler is suitable for all glove box applications and is compatible with a wide range of actuation options, regardless of the styling. The system accommodates both locking and non-locking actuation needs and can be integrated with electromechanical locking systems.

Constructed of robust materials, the compact, cartridge-style of the Dual Point Coupler translates to a clean look and surface design. The latch provides around twice as much pawl travel compared to standard market solutions, facilitating assistance with door assembly and gap conditions that exist between the door and surrounding instrument panel. The result is consistent and controllable actuation and door opening and closing efforts.

With both Southco products, the Single Point Rotary Glove Box Latch and the Dual Point Coupler, there is no need to reinvent a new glove box latching solution for each application. By selecting either solution automotive manufacturers will ensure best-in-class safety and adaptability, as well as reduced labour and production costs.

  Ask For More Information…