Vehicle Center Console Pivoting Working Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle center consoles with working surfaces often compromise storage or occupancy capabilities, as they require users to adjust the steering wheel or impede access to other functionalities when the working surface is deployed.
Innovation Solution
A pivoting assembly in the center console that includes a deployable working surface, which can be operated independently of the lid, featuring a storage tray, spring-loaded pins, and a magnetic pivot block for secure engagement with a ferromagnetic support shaft, allowing the working surface to be deployed while the lid is closed, providing additional functionality without sacrificing storage or comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a working surface is deployed in the center console, then additional functionality is provided, but storage or occupancy capabilities are impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The center console is divided into separate functional zones: a storage compartment with lid and a working surface with pivoting assembly. Each can operate independently, allowing the working surface to be deployed without requiring the lid to be opened, thus maintaining storage access while providing workspace functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The working surface employs a pivoting assembly that allows it to transition between deployed and stowed positions dynamically. When deployed, it provides additional workspace; when stowed, it clears the space to maintain full storage and occupancy capabilities, resolving the contradiction between functionality and storage volume.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a working surface is deployed, then additional functionality is provided, but the steering wheel must be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The working surface is positioned in a location that does not interfere with the driver's position or steering wheel operation. By placing it in the center console with independent pivoting capability, the driver can use the working surface without needing to adjust the steering wheel, maintaining ease of operation while adding functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lid and pivoting assembly are independently operable, then simultaneous operation is allowed, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The center console lid and pivoting assembly are segmented as separate operational units with independent mechanisms. The lid has its own latching system while the pivoting assembly has spring-loaded pins and magnetic engagement. This segmentation allows independent operation of each component, providing versatility while keeping each individual mechanism relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivoting assembly incorporates spring-loaded pins that automatically engage and disengage, and magnetic elements that provide automatic alignment and retention. These self-service features reduce the complexity of manual operation and control systems, allowing independent operation without requiring complex coordination mechanisms.
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
Enables the working surface to be accessed and used without adjusting the steering wheel, maintaining storage and occupancy capabilities, and allowing simultaneous operation of the lid and pivoting assembly for enhanced usability.
Implementation Method 1
An underside of the pivot block is magnetic and the support shaft is made of a ferromagnetic material
Implementation Method 2
the support shaft is made of a ferromagnetic material
Data Source
AI summary
A center console for a vehicle includes a lid and a pivoting assembly. The pivoting assembly includes a working surface. The working surface is deployable while the lid is in a closed position. The pivoting assembly is independently operable from the lid.