Versatile Article Retainer Assembly with Flexible Flaps
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle console assemblies lack versatility and security in holding everyday items, often allowing them to become dislodged due to single-point engagement, and do not facilitate easy transport of these items to remote locations.
Innovation Solution
An article retainer assembly with a housing featuring aligned sets of flexible retaining flaps forming slits, which securely hold items through frictional engagement, and optionally includes a receiver for removable use outside the vehicle, an integral charge cord, and a power source, along with a charge cord retractor mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single-point engagement mechanism is used to hold items, then the device structure is simple, but the items become dislodged and security is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple independent retaining flaps (first retainer with first flaps, second retainer with second flaps) that can independently engage with the item at different locations. This segmentation allows the item to be secured at multiple points simultaneously, preventing dislodgement while maintaining individual flap simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining flaps are nested within the housing structure, with each flap capable of moving between retracted and engaged positions. The flaps are positioned within the housing cavity and can be actuated by the housing structure itself, creating a compact nested arrangement that provides secure engagement without external complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If items are stored in fixed locations within the vehicle, then storage is secure, but transport to remote locations is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed as a removable assembly that can function both as a secure storage container when installed in the vehicle receiver and as a portable storage unit when removed. The retainers maintain item security in both stationary and mobile configurations, allowing the same device to serve dual purposes of fixed storage and transport
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple retainers are added to hold various items, then versatility increases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining flaps are made of flexible material that can conform to different item shapes and sizes. This flexibility allows a single retainer design to securely hold various everyday items (cell phones, writing utensils, credit cards) without requiring multiple specialized retainers, maintaining versatility while simplifying the overall assembly
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
Provides secure, convenient storage and charging solutions for various items within the vehicle, allowing easy access and transport of these items to remote locations, enhancing usability and versatility.
Implementation Method 1
securely hold items through frictional engagement
Implementation Method 2
charge cord retractor mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
An article retainer assembly is provided. That article retainer assembly includes a housing. First and second retainers are carried on the housing. The first retainer includes a first set of opposed, flexible retaining flaps defining a first slit therebetween. The second retainer includes a second set of opposed, flexible retaining flaps defining a second slit therebetween.