Concealed Touch Pad for Vehicle Storage Bin Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle storage configurations lack convenient access mechanisms and discrete storage bins that can be easily accessed while in an open position, making it difficult to retrieve items efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A storage bin configuration for motor vehicles featuring a touch pad concealed behind an outboard wall, which, when actuated, unlatches the storage bin body, allowing it to rotate from a closed to an open position, providing easy access to the contents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the touch pad is exposed on the exterior panel, then access to the storage bin is more convenient, but security and aesthetic appearance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The touch pad is extracted from the visible exterior surface and repositioned to a concealed location on the interior side of the storage bin body. This allows the exterior panel to maintain a clean, secure appearance while the touch pad remains accessible from the interior cargo area for convenient operation.
2Ease of operation
If the storage bin is easily accessible, then usability is improved, but security against unauthorized access is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The touch pad access is moved from the exterior dimension to the interior dimension of the storage bin. Users must be inside the cargo area to access the touch pad, which provides convenience for authorized users while preventing unauthorized access from the exterior, thus resolving the security-usability contradiction.
3Reliability
If the touch pad is concealed behind the outboard wall, then security and aesthetics are improved, but accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The interior space of the storage bin serves as an intermediary access path to the concealed touch pad. By positioning the touch pad on the interior side of the outboard wall, the system uses the bin's interior volume as a mediator that allows easy access for authorized users while maintaining exterior concealment for security and aesthetics.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage bin configuration for a motor vehicle is provided in accordance with the teachings of the present disclosure. The storage bin includes a storage bin body, a storage bin latch and a touch pad. The storage bin body has an outboard wall, an inboard wall, a forward wall and a rearward wall that collectively define a receptacle. The outboard wall forms a portion of an exterior of the vehicle. The storage bin latch is configured to move between a latched position and an unlatched position. In the latched position, the storage bin latch maintains the storage bin body in a closed position. In the unlatched position, the storage bin latch permits movement of the storage bin body to an open position. The touch pad is configured on the storage bin body at a location at least substantially concealed from view behind the outboard wall.