Center Console Divider System with Dovetail Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing center console organizers cannot be used in vehicles with smaller top openings due to their design, which prevents them from spanning the entire width and length of the compartment, limiting storage capacity.
Innovation Solution
A divider-type organizer system that uses T-joints with dovetail connections between planar pieces, allowing for a custom fit by extending orthogonally from one surface without protruding from the opposing side, enabling the system to be angled and fitted through smaller openings, and securely locking into place using dovetail and tab slots.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If prior art molded tray and divider organizers are designed to span the entire width and length of the compartment, then storage capacity is maximized, but they cannot be installed in center consoles with smaller top openings
Solution Approach 1:
The organizer is divided into multiple separate planar pieces (first planar piece, second planar piece, third planar piece) that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the organizer to be constructed in a compact configuration that fits through smaller top openings, while still spanning the entire compartment width and length when assembled, thus maximizing storage capacity without compromising installability
Solution Approach 2:
The planar pieces are configured to extend in multiple dimensions - the first planar piece extends along a first dimension, the second planar piece extends along a second dimension, and the third planar piece extends along a third dimension. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the organizer to fit through restricted openings while achieving full compartment coverage when assembled
2Ease of operation
If the organizer uses orthogonal extensions from planar pieces, then it can be fitted through smaller openings, but the structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The planar pieces are designed with nested relationships where the second planar piece is positioned adjacent to and interacts with the first planar piece, and the third planar piece is positioned adjacent to and interacts with both previous pieces. This nested arrangement distributes structural loads across multiple components rather than relying on single-piece rigidity, maintaining structural integrity while enabling installation through smaller openings
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple planar pieces are combined to form an integrated organizer structure that spans the entire compartment. The combination of the first, second, and third planar pieces creates a unified structure with enhanced structural integrity compared to individual pieces, while still allowing installation through restricted openings due to the modular nature of the components
Data Source
AI summary
A divider-type organizer that make use of the center console's interior walls in forming some or all of the individual bins and wherein the organizer's planar divider pieces extend generally orthogonally from one surface of an adjoining piece without extending significantly outwardly from the opposing side of the adjoining piece.