Center Console Pass-Through Layout for Long Cargo Flexibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automotive center consoles in battery electric vehicles lack flexibility and functionality, particularly when handling large or long cargo loads, as they often require structural features that restrict interior design and storage capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cargo pass-through system incorporating a center console with a pass-through feature, a foldable midgate, a retractable firewall door, and an expandable storage tray, allowing cargo to be seamlessly transferred between the rear cargo area, vehicle cabin, and frunk without compromising the amenities of the center console, including storage, cup holders, and wireless charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional center console is used in a battery electric vehicle, then the center console provides basic storage functionality, but it lacks flexibility and functionality when handling large or long cargo loads
Solution Approach 1:
The center console is divided into multiple segments: a lower storage portion coupled to the floor, an upper storage portion spaced apart from the lower portion, and a pass-through space between them. This segmentation allows the console to provide both storage functionality and cargo passage capability, resolving the contradiction between maintaining console functionality and enabling flexible cargo handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper storage portion includes expandable storage trays that can move between extended and retracted positions. When cargo needs to pass through, the trays can be retracted to clear the pass-through path. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the console to adapt between providing maximum storage and enabling cargo transport, thereby improving adaptability without permanently increasing structural complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the upper storage portion is designed with expandable storage trays to maximize storage capacity, then storage flexibility is improved, but the trays may obstruct the center console pass-through when cargo needs to extend through
Solution Approach 1:
The expandable storage trays are designed to be movable between extended and retracted positions. When no cargo passage is needed, the trays extend to maximize storage capacity. When cargo needs to pass through the center console, the trays can be retracted to clear the path. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for storage or pass-through capability depending on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage trays operate in periodic cycles of extension and retraction based on cargo requirements. During normal operation, the trays are extended for storage. When cargo passage is required, they are retracted temporarily, then can be extended again afterward. This periodic action pattern allows the system to alternate between maximizing storage and enabling pass-through functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a foldable midgate is introduced to enable cargo to extend from the rear cargo area into the vehicle cabin, then cargo handling capability is improved, but the midgate structure adds complexity to the vehicle interior
Solution Approach 1:
The midgate is designed as a foldable structure that can transition between an upright position (providing separation between cargo area and cabin) and a folded position (allowing cargo to extend into the cabin). This dynamic folding mechanism enables the midgate to adapt its configuration based on cargo handling needs, improving accessibility while maintaining a relatively simple structural design that integrates with the existing vehicle interior.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body at least partially defining a vehicle cabin, and a center console disposed within the vehicle cabin and including a center console pass-through configured to enable cargo to extend therethrough for storage of the cargo. The center console includes a lower storage portion coupled to a floor of the vehicle, and an upper storage portion connected to and spaced apart from the lower storage portion to define the center console pass-through between the lower storage portion and the upper storage portion.