Vehicle Center Console Removable Tray Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Center console assemblies in vehicles lack a removable tray that can seamlessly transition between open and closed orientations of the lid, compromising storage efficiency and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A center console assembly with a main body structure, a pivoting lid, and a removable tray featuring projections that can be supported within the storage compartment or attached to the lid, allowing the tray to move with the lid between orientations and be completely removed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed tray is integrated into the center console storage compartment, then the tray provides stable support for items, but the tray cannot be removed or repositioned, reducing adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is segmented from the main center console structure, allowing it to be a separate removable component. The tray includes projections that can engage with support portions in different locations, enabling repositioning while maintaining stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray attachment system transitions from a fixed state to a dynamic, reconfigurable state. The tray can be moved between different orientations (first, second, and third orientations) by engaging or disengaging projections with different support portions, providing adaptability without permanent fixation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tray is permanently attached to the lid, then the tray moves with the lid between open and closed orientations, but the tray cannot be removed for cleaning or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is designed as a separable component with projections that can engage with either the main body structure or the lid. This segmentation allows the tray to be removed completely (third orientation) or attached to different surfaces, balancing removability with stability during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The projections on the tray act as intermediaries between the tray body and the support surfaces (main body or lid). These projections enable reliable attachment when engaged, while also allowing easy removal when disengaged, providing both stability and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If the tray is made removable from the storage compartment, then the tray can be easily removed and repositioned, but the tray may become loose or unstable during use
Solution Approach 1:
The tray attachment system provides dynamic stability - when the projections are engaged with support portions, the tray is securely held in position; when disengaged, the tray can be easily moved. This allows stable positioning during use while maintaining ease of repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The tray's projections automatically engage with the support portions through simple placement, providing self-aligning and self-securing functionality. The tray stabilizes itself when installed without requiring additional fastening mechanisms, maintaining both ease of operation and stability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle center console assembly includes a main body structure, a lid and a tray. The main body structure defines a storage compartment having a first tray supporting portion. The lid is attached to the main body structure for pivoting from a closed orientation completely covering the storage compartment to an open orientation exposing the storage compartment. The lid has a second tray supporting portion. The tray has a pair of projections that extend from opposite sides of the tray. The tray is movable to each of the following: a first orientation with the pair of projections supported by the first tray supporting portion within the storage compartment, a second orientation with the pair of projections inserted into the second tray supporting portion for movement with the lid, and a third orientation where the tray is completely removed and separated from the center console assembly.