Collapsible Underseat Storage Assembly with Pivoting Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional underseat storage compartments in vehicles are limited in capacity and often restrictive to space, making it difficult to store large items while maintaining occupant comfort and interior cabin usability.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible underseat storage assembly featuring a recessed floor with a pivotally coupled front panel and side panels that can be deployed or stowed, creating a storage volume that can be accessed by raising the vehicle seats, and incorporating locking mechanisms for secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If conventional underseat storage compartments are designed to store large items, then storage capacity is improved, but available interior cabin space is reduced and occupant comfort is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The storage assembly employs a dynamic collapsible panel structure that can transition between deployed and stowed positions. The front panel is pivotally coupled to allow it to fold flat against the seat bottom, and side panels are hingedly connected to enable them to collapse inward, transforming the storage compartment from an extended state to a retracted state, thereby resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and interior space
Solution Approach 2:
The storage assembly is divided into separate functional segments: a front panel, side panels, and a base structure. This segmentation allows each component to move independently during deployment and stowing operations, enabling the storage compartment to be configured for either maximum storage capacity or minimum space occupation without compromising structural integrity
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional storage compartments are designed to accommodate large items, then storage versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage assembly uses simple pivotal and hinged connections that allow the panels to dynamically adjust between deployed and stowed configurations. These mechanical linkages provide versatile storage options without requiring complex control systems, motors, or sensors, thereby achieving adaptability while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The storage assembly is designed to be manually operated by occupants who can easily deploy or stow the panels by applying force to the movable components. The self-service design eliminates the need for electronic controls, actuators, or automated mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining storage versatility
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
The solution provides a versatile and space-efficient storage solution that allows for the storage of larger items without compromising interior space, enhancing occupant comfort and usability by creating a hidden storage compartment that can be easily accessed when needed.
Implementation Method 1
A front panel (18) has a bottom edge (20) that is pivotally coupled with the floor (14)
Implementation Method 2
A first side panel (22) and a second side panel (24) are pivotally coupled with opposing ends (26) of the front panel (18)
Data Source
AI summary
An underseat storage assembly for a vehicle seat includes a recess disposed on a floor below the vehicle seat. A front panel has an edge pivotally coupled with the floor and first and second side panels are pivotally coupled with opposing ends of the front panel. The front panel is movable between a stored position within the recess and a deployed position and has the first and second side panels vertically arranged and orthogonal to the front panel.