Vehicle Center Console Manual Release for Rear Seat Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Fixed center consoles in vehicles obstruct access to rear seats, as they are typically immobile and provide limited flexibility for storage and user interaction.

Innovation Solution

A console assembly with a moving portion, gearbox assembly, transmission assembly, and disengaging device that allows the console to transition between engaged and disengaged states, enabling manual or motorized movement along a guide member between positions, thereby enhancing accessibility and usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a fixed center console is used, then structural stability and simplicity are improved, but accessibility to rear seats deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidaccessibility to rear seats

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The center console is transformed from a fixed structure to a movable one by introducing a motor-driven transmission system. The console can dynamically change its position between a first position (blocking rear seat access) and a second position (allowing rear seat access), resolving the contradiction between structural stability and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a movable center console is implemented, then accessibility to rear seats is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility to rear seatsVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical system for moving the console is replaced with an automated motor-driven transmission system. The motor and transmission assembly automatically move the console between positions, reducing the need for complex manual mechanisms and controlling systems while improving accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual movement capability is added, then user interaction flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual effort required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser interaction flexibilityVSAvoidease of manual movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission assembly is designed to be disengageable, allowing the console to move manually when the transmission is disengaged. This self-service mechanism enables users to easily reposition the console without requiring motor activation, improving both flexibility and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11827133B2Powered console with manual release

Publication Date: 2023.11.28 BROSE FAHRZEUGTEILE GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A console assembly for use in a vehicle provided with a floor. The console assembly includes a guide member, coupled to the vehicle floor, a moving portion, a gearbox assembly, a transmission assembly, and a disengaging device. The gearbox assembly includes a gear configured to rotate about a rotational axis in a first rotational direction and a second rotational direction to move the moving portion between a first position and a second position. The transmission assembly is configured to operate in a number of operating states, including an engaged state and a disengaged state. The disengaging device is configured to change the operating state of the transmission assembly between the engaged state and the operating state so that the moving portion is movable while the transmission assembly is in the disengaged state.