Vehicle Door Accessory Cradle With Integrated Charging and Passive Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle accessories, especially powered ones, lack a defined storage space and integrated charging system, leading to clutter and reduced convenience within vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle door storage cavity with a movable accessory cradle and charging module that securely stores and charges devices like flashlights or mobile device batteries, using a stowing and deployment track mechanism and passive lock to prevent accidental deployment during vehicle movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If accessories are stored in the vehicle without a defined storage space, then the vehicle interior can remain simple and uncluttered, but accessories lack secure storage and integrated charging capability
Solution Approach 1:
The accessory cradle is nested within the door storage cavity, creating a compact integrated system. The cradle itself contains the charging module and retention mechanism, allowing multiple functions (storage, charging, securing) to be nested within a single structural element that fits into the door cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the storage function, charging function, and accessory retention function into a single integrated door cavity system. The support structure combines the cavity definition, cradle mounting, and charging module integration, eliminating the need for separate storage compartments and charging devices.
2Ease of operation
If the accessory cradle is made movable within the cavity for easy access, then convenience is improved, but the risk of accidental deployment during vehicle movement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The passive lock mechanism is pre-configured to engage automatically when the cradle is in the stowed position, preventing accidental deployment before it can occur. The retention clips are pre-positioned to secure the accessory upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual locking actions by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The cradle is designed with controlled mobility - it can move freely between stowed and deployed positions when needed, but the passive lock mechanism dynamically engages to restrict movement when the cradle is stowed, providing stability during vehicle operation while maintaining accessibility when required.
3Reliability
If the accessory cradle is retained deeply within the cavity for secure storage, then security is improved, but accessibility for frequent items is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cradle transitions between two dynamic states: a stowed position where the passive lock engages for secure retention, and a deployed position where the cradle protrudes for easy accessibility. The mechanism allows smooth transition between these states, providing both security when stored and accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the cradle movement into distinct phases - insertion along the track, locking at the stowed position, and deployment to the accessible position. This segmentation allows the cradle to be securely retained when not in use while providing easy access when required, with each phase optimized for its specific function.
4Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism is used to prevent accidental deployment, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The passive lock mechanism is self-actuating based on the cradle's position - it automatically engages when the cradle is stowed and disengages when deployed, without requiring external control systems, sensors, or user intervention. The geometry of the track and lock interface causes the locking action to occur naturally as the cradle moves into position.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex electronic locking systems or multi-component mechanical locks with a simple passive geometric locking mechanism. The track design itself creates the locking condition through its shape, eliminating the need for separate locking components, motors, or control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus includes a cavity defined by a vehicle door, with the cavity being configured to stow and charge an accessory device. The apparatus may also include an accessory cradle movable within the cavity and configured to retain the vehicle accessory. Examples of a method may include providing a cavity in an end portion of a vehicle door, with the cavity being configured to stow and charge an accessory device. The method may further include installing an accessory cradle within the cavity, with the accessory cradle being movable within the cavity and configured to retain the vehicle accessory.