Deployable Door Panel Receptacle for Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles lack sufficient storage space for small items like cellular phones and other personal devices within the interior cabin, particularly under the armrest handle.
Innovation Solution
A deployable receptacle is integrated into the vehicle door panel, featuring a sliding mechanism along parallel tracks that allows it to transition from a stored position under the armrest to a deployed position under the handle, creating a customizable storage pocket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed storage compartment is installed in the door panel, then storage space is provided, but the storage capacity cannot be adjusted or changed based on different needs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the storage receptacle movable rather than fixed. The receptacle can slide along tracks between a retracted position (when not needed) and an extended position (when storage is needed), allowing the door panel structure to adapt dynamically to different storage requirements while maintaining structural simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If the receptacle is always extended to provide storage, then storage accessibility is improved, but the available space in the door panel is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle is designed to be dynamically extendable and retractable. When storage is needed, it extends to provide easy accessibility; when not needed, it retracts to maximize the available interior space in the door panel. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize both accessibility and space utilization at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into a movable receptacle portion and a fixed guide track portion. This segmentation allows the receptacle to be independently positioned along the tracks, enabling it to extend when storage is needed and retract when space is needed, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and space availability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable receptacle with sliding mechanism is added, then storage flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into simple, discrete components: a receptacle body, parallel guide tracks, and basic sliding elements. This segmentation allows for easy manufacturing and assembly of each component independently, reducing overall complexity despite adding movement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables the receptacle to extend for storage access, retract to save space, and potentially adjust to different positions. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing versatile storage solutions without requiring multiple separate mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle door assembly may include an interior door panel having an armrest, the armrest having a handle defining an opening therein and a receptacle arranged below the armrest and configured to be selectively arranged under the handle to create a repository within the opening to receive objects.