Vehicle Console Tambour Tray Assembly for Space-Efficient Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle storage assemblies lack a versatile and space-efficient design that allows for both secure compartment access and flexible use of storage space, as existing solutions often require clear exterior space for tray extension and do not effectively utilize the tambour door panel's functionality.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly that incorporates a tambour door panel and track assembly, allowing the panel to move between closed and open positions, and also forms a tray assembly that can extend and retract within the console housing, utilizing a dual-purpose tambour door panel that can open the compartment without extending the tray, and a slide assembly for tray movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional storage compartment with a fixed door is used, then the compartment provides stable storage space, but it lacks versatility and cannot provide tray extension functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The tambour door panel is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as a closure for the storage compartment and simultaneously forms a tray that can extend and retract. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility without adding separate components, thus avoiding increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the door closure function and the tray extension function into a single integrated assembly. The tambour door panel and tray are combined such that the same structural elements perform both functions, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and maintaining simplicity while achieving versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tray assembly that extends externally is used, then tray functionality is provided, but it requires clear exterior space that may not be available in all vehicle configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The tray assembly is designed to nest within the console housing when retracted. The tray can be stored inside the housing volume, allowing it to extend externally only when needed. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by providing tray functionality without permanently occupying exterior space, enabling flexibility while adapting to limited space constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tambour door panel is used solely for closing the compartment, then simple operation is maintained, but it underutilizes the panel's potential functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The tambour door panel is designed to serve dual functions: it acts as a closure for the storage compartment and simultaneously forms a tray that can extend and retract. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by enabling versatility without adding separate components, thus avoiding increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tambour door panel's slatted structure inherently provides both closure and tray functionality without requiring additional mechanisms. The same structural elements that enable the panel to close the compartment also form the tray surface, allowing the panel to serve itself for multiple functions while maintaining operational simplicity.
4Volume of moving object
If a compact storage design is used, then space efficiency is improved, but access to the compartment may be limited without external tray extension
Solution Approach 1:
The tray assembly is designed to nest within the console housing when retracted, maximizing space efficiency. When access flexibility is needed, the tray can extend outward to provide a surface for placing items. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by providing both compact storage and flexible access depending on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray assembly transitions between retracted and extended positions dynamically based on user needs. This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize for space efficiency when the tray is retracted and provide access flexibility when extended, resolving the contradiction through conditional adaptability rather than fixed design.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage assembly for a vehicle includes a console housing including a storage compartment and an access opening to the storage compartment. The storage assembly includes a tambour door assembly having a tambour door panel configured to move between a first position to close the access opening and a second position to open the access opening. The storage assembly also has a tray assembly including the tambour door panel. The tray assembly is configured to move between a retracted position and an extended position relative to the console housing.