Flexible Center Console Cover for Gap Closure and Damage Avoidance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing center console designs in vehicles feature an intentional gap between the center console and the instrument panel, which can lead to objects slipping or falling, noise issues, and potential injuries from reaching into the gap.
Innovation Solution
A cover element comprising a decorative element and a flexible soft component that closes the gap between the center console and the instrument panel, providing a visual and noise barrier while being flexible to avoid damage during installation and removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid cover element is used to close the gap, then the gap closure effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damage to adjacent components during installation and removal increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a soft cover element made of flexible material (such as leather, fabric, or plastic) that can deform during installation and removal processes. This flexibility allows the cover element to adapt to slight misalignments and avoid rigid contact with adjacent components like the instrument panel, thereby preventing damage while still effectively closing the gap when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of the cover element from rigid to flexible. This parameter change allows the material to undergo deformation under external force during installation, reducing the harmful impact on adjacent components while maintaining the gap-closure function when in the installed state.
2Ease of operation
If the gap between center console and instrument panel is left open, then installation and removal is easier, but objects can slip or fall through the gap and noise can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The soft cover element acts as a flexible barrier that closes the gap between the center console and instrument panel. Its flexible nature allows it to be installed without forcing, while when installed, it prevents objects from slipping through and reduces noise by blocking the gap.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a soft component is used to avoid damage during installation, then the risk of damage to adjacent components is reduced, but the ability to effectively close and barrier the gap may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent demonstrates that a soft cover element made of flexible material can simultaneously achieve both goals: the flexibility prevents damage during installation, while the material properties and design allow it to effectively close the gap and provide visual and noise barriers when installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The soft cover element may be constructed from composite materials that combine flexibility with sufficient structural integrity. This allows the material to be compliant during installation to avoid damage, yet maintain its shape and barrier function when installed to effectively close the gap.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cover element for a center console, comprising a decorative element for providing the surface decoration, and a soft component, wherein the soft component is designed to be flexible in order to avoid damage to adjacent components, for example the instrument panel, when installing and/or removing the cover element into and/or from the motor vehicle interior, and wherein the soft component is provided in the installed state of the cover element to reduce the gap size relative to adjacent components, for example the instrument panel.