Adaptable Bin With Slidable Secondary Trays

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional storage bins in vehicles lack flexibility in accommodating items of varying sizes, as they often require removal or reconfiguration to optimize space, which can be inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

An adaptable bin system with a secondary bin comprising slidable trays that can expand or collapse, allowing for adjustable storage volume within a primary bin, enabling the storage of different types and sizes of objects without the need for detachment or removal of the secondary bin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional storage bin is used in a vehicle, then the bin provides a fixed storage volume, but it cannot accommodate items of varying sizes efficiently

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volume adaptabilityVSAvoidbin structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage bin is divided into a primary bin and a secondary bin that can be independently positioned. The secondary bin includes multiple trays (first tray, second tray, third tray) that can be independently adjusted, allowing segments of the storage space to be customized for different item sizes and types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary bin is designed with slidable trays that can move between different positions. The first tray slides relative to the second tray, and the second tray slides relative to the third tray, enabling dynamic adjustment of storage volume to accommodate varying item sizes without changing the overall bin structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of stationary object

If the storage volume is increased to accommodate larger items, then more space is available, but the bin becomes less efficient for storing smaller items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidstorage configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The trays within the secondary bin are designed to slide relative to each other, allowing the storage volume to be dynamically adjusted. When larger items need to be stored, the trays can be positioned to maximize volume; when smaller items are stored, the trays can be repositioned to create smaller, more efficient storage compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The secondary bin with its multiple nested trays (first tray containing second tray containing third tray) allows for compact storage when the trays are collapsed, and expanded storage when the trays are extended, providing volume adaptability within a compact footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the secondary bin is made removable for reconfiguration, then storage flexibility is improved, but the risk of losing the secondary bin increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoidsecondary bin retention

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary bin is designed with slidable rather than removable connections. The trays slide along guide rails or tracks that are integrated into the primary bin structure, allowing reconfiguration through sliding motion while maintaining permanent attachment to prevent loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adjustable trays are added to create a adaptable secondary bin, then storage flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage configuration optionsVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The secondary bin is segmented into multiple independent trays that can be adjusted separately. This segmentation allows for flexible storage configuration while keeping each individual tray component relatively simple in design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The trays are nested within each other (first tray containing second tray containing third tray), which allows multiple adjustable components to be integrated into a compact secondary bin structure, reducing overall complexity compared to having separate adjustable elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS8967695B2Adaptable bin with collapsible secondary bin

Publication Date: 2015.03.03 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

An adaptable bin is provided. The adaptable bin includes a bin floor and at least two bin sidewalls. The bin floor and the bin sidewalls define a storage volume. A bin opening is defined by the bin sidewalls, and allows access to the storage volume. The adaptable bin also includes a secondary bin having at least a first tray and a second tray. The first is tray operatively attached to one of the bin sidewalls. The second tray is slidably attached to the first tray, and is slidable between a collapsed position proximal to the first tray and an expanded position distal to the first tray. The secondary bin protrudes into more of the storage volume when the second tray is in the expanded position than in the collapsed position.