Door Panel Top-Surface Storage Compartment for Small-Car Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vehicle storage compartments in glove boxes, center consoles, and door pockets are often small, inconveniently located, and difficult to access, especially in small cars where space is limited.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage compartment integrated into the top surface of a door interior panel, featuring a hinged lid and optional zipper closure, allowing for increased storage capacity and convenient access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional storage compartments (glove box, center console, door pockets) are used, then storage function is provided, but storage space is limited and accessibility is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by utilizing the vertical space above the door panel instead of traditional horizontal storage locations. The storage compartment is positioned in the upper door panel area, transforming the unused vertical dimension into functional storage space. This allows passengers to access storage without reaching into cluttered center consoles or small door pockets, improving both capacity and accessibility.
2Volume of moving object
If traditional storage locations are used, then storage function is provided, but storage capacity is small especially in small cars
Solution Approach 1:
The invention exploits the vertical dimension of the door panel that was previously unused. By positioning the storage compartment in the upper door panel area rather than competing for limited horizontal space in traditional locations, the design increases storage capacity without reducing the area available for other vehicle functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the door panel into functional zones, dedicating the upper portion to storage while maintaining the lower portion for traditional door functions. This segmentation allows the vehicle to gain additional storage capacity without compromising the functionality of traditional areas, effectively adding storage capacity without sacrificing other vehicle space.
3Volume of moving object
If non-traditional storage location (top surface of door panel) is used, then storage capacity and accessibility are improved, but structural complexity of door panel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the storage compartment structure with the existing door panel assembly. The storage compartment is integrated into the door panel's upper portion, sharing structural components and mounting points with the surrounding door panel elements. This merging approach allows the addition of storage capacity while minimizing the increase in overall structural complexity, as the new component works within the existing door panel framework rather than requiring a completely new structural design.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a product that may include a vehicle door interior panel having lower portion having a front surface, opposite rear surface, bottom surface and a top surface, a storage compartment having a lid hinged to the at least one wall, wherein the lid forms a portion of the top surface of the bottom portion of the interior panel.