Center Console with Dual Rotating Covers for Versatile Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Center consoles in vehicles with sliding and rotating armrests and storage trays are prone to damage, debris, and dirt, necessitating an improved design that allows users to easily switch between armrest and storage functions.
Innovation Solution
A center console with a base, a storage compartment, and a hingedly connected cover featuring reversible sections around rods, allowing the cover to rotate between armrest and tray positions, providing a versatile and durable solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the center console uses sliding and rotating armrests and storage trays, then the versatility and user convenience are improved, but the susceptibility to damage, debris, and dirt increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between two stable states: covering the storage compartment or forming an armrest surface. The reversible sections can rotate between positions to transform the cover's function, allowing the system to adapt between protected storage mode and accessible armrest mode without exposing internal components to damage and debris
2Ease of operation
If the center console allows switching between armrest and storage functions, then the user convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple reversible sections that can independently rotate between positions. Each section is divided into a first side and a second side, allowing granular control over the armrest configuration. This segmentation enables complex functionality to be achieved through simple, modular components that users can easily manipulate
Solution Approach 2:
The reversible sections incorporate rotation mechanisms that allow smooth transitions between cover and armrest positions. The dynamic reconfigurability enables users to switch between functions with simple rotational movements, maintaining ease of operation while achieving versatile functionality through movable parts
Data Source
AI summary
A center console for a vehicle includes a base, a storage compartment disposed within the base having an upwardly facing opening, and a cover hingedly connected to the base for selectively covering the opening of the storage compartment. The cover includes a first cover portion, a second cover portion, two rods positioned between the first cover portion and the second cover portion, and two reversible sections disposed around the rods. The reversible sections are axially rotatable about the rods between a first position and a second position. When in the first position, the reversible sections present an armrest, and in the second position, the reversible sections present a storage tray.