Vehicle Door Map Pocket Retention Member for Variable Container Sizes
Solution Overview
Problem
Current map pockets in vehicles are unable to securely accommodate beverage containers of different sizes, leading to instability and potential spills or rattling during vehicle operation and door use, causing customer dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A door panel with a map pocket featuring a container holder that includes a retention member with an elongated body and bowed section, capable of elastic deformation to securely hold containers of varying sizes, combined with a living hinge and snap-fit features for enhanced stability and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the map pocket uses a fixed rigid structure, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the adaptability to different container sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape and position based on the container size, allowing the map pocket to accommodate various container dimensions while maintaining secure retention
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member's physical parameters (flexibility, elasticity) are changed to enable it to deform and conform to different container sizes, resolving the contradiction between fixed manufacturing precision and variable adaptability requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If the map pocket uses a flexible retention member, then the adaptability to different container sizes is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member is designed as a flexible thin-walled structure that can bend and deform to accommodate different container sizes, providing adaptability without requiring complex mechanical components or adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible retention member dynamically adapts to different container configurations through elastic deformation, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms while maintaining versatility across various container sizes
3Stability of the object's composition
If the retention member is made rigid, then the stability of container positioning is improved, but the ability to accommodate different container sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention member's mechanical parameters are optimized to exhibit rigidity when supporting the container (maintaining positioning stability) while simultaneously possessing sufficient flexibility to deform during installation and accommodate different container sizes
Solution Approach 2:
The retention member dynamically transitions between flexible (during installation) and rigid (during retention) states, achieving both adaptability to different sizes and stable positioning through the same component
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
The solution effectively secures beverage containers of different sizes, preventing spills and rattling, and reducing noise concerns during vehicle operation and door movement, enhancing customer satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
The retention member is configured to elastically deform when a container is placed within the container holder
Implementation Method 2
The door panel further includes a living hinge connecting the retention wall to the main body
Data Source
AI summary
A door panel for a passenger door of a vehicle is disclosed. The door panel includes a map pocket having a container holder. The door panel includes a main body defining an inner surface facing a passenger compartment of the vehicle, a retention wall, and a retention member. The main body include a lower end portion and a shelf located at the lower end portion of the main body. The shelf extends from the inner surface of the main body and towards the passenger compartment of the vehicle to define a portion of the map pocket. The retention wall extends from the shelf of the main body. The retention wall and a portion of the inner surface of the main body define the container holder. The retention member is configured to elastically deform when a container is placed within the container holder.