Dual Sliding Center Console for Vehicle Interior

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle center console assemblies often obstruct lateral movement and are inaccessible to second-row passengers when in the forward position, requiring removal and reinstallation to be usable by them.

Innovation Solution

A multiple-tiered sliding console system with a bracket coupled to the vehicle floor, featuring lower and upper rails that allow the main and upper bodies to slide independently, enabling flexible positioning between front and rear seats without obstructing lateral movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single-track sliding console system is used, then the console can be repositioned between front and rear seats, but the track obstructs lateral movement of vehicle occupants

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsole accessibilityVSAvoidlateral movement obstruction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The console system is divided into two independent sliding components: a main body that slides along lower rails, and an upper body that slides along upper rails. This segmentation allows each component to be positioned independently, eliminating the need for a single obstructive track while maintaining flexibility in accessing both front and rear seats.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single longitudinal track to a two-dimensional rail system with separate upper and lower rails. The main body slides on lower rails while the upper body slides on upper rails, creating a layered structure that eliminates lateral movement obstruction while preserving console repositioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a removable console assembly is used, then the console can be repositioned between front and rear seats, but the assembly must be removed and reinstalled to be accessible to second row passengers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsole repositioningVSAvoidconsole accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The console system employs dynamic sliding mechanisms with multiple degrees of freedom. The main body can slide longitudinally on lower rails, and the upper body can independently slide on upper rails, allowing continuous adjustment to various positions for optimal accessibility to both front and rear seats without removal and reinstallation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The upper body is nested within the main body structure, with the upper body sliding along upper rails that are attached to the main body. This nested configuration allows the upper body to be positioned independently while maintaining integration with the main console structure, enabling flexible accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS7416235B2Dual sliding center console

Publication Date: 2008.08.26 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A storage console assembly for a motor vehicle having a floor comprising a bracket removably coupled to the floor, a lower rail attached to the bracket and a main body slidably engaged with the lower rail. An upper rail attached to a top portion of the main body. An upper body having a top portion and a handle is slidably engaged with the upper rail. The main body is arranged to be moved longitudinally within the vehicle with respect to the bracket, and the upper body is arranged to be moved longitudinally within the vehicle with respect to the bracket and the main body.