Dual-Track Sliding Storage Bin for Stable Low-Friction Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional motor vehicle sliding storage bins with single track systems experience rocking and friction issues during opening and closing, leading to a perception of lesser vehicle quality and potential material strain due to uneven support and high bending moments.
Innovation Solution
A dual track assembly with vertically and laterally offset rails and tracks provides additional support points, reducing friction and rocking by distributing the effort more evenly along the z and y axes, and allowing for reduced draft angles in manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single track assembly is used in conventional sliding storage bins, then the device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simpler, but the bin experiences rocking and friction during opening/closing due to insufficient support points
Solution Approach 1:
The single track assembly is segmented into two separate track assemblies, each with its own rail and track components. This segmentation provides multiple discrete support points (front and rear tracks on each side) that prevent rocking and reduce friction during bin sliding, while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vertical offset between the rail and track components, creating a three-dimensional track geometry. This vertical dimension allows the rail to engage the track at elevated points, providing additional support that stabilizes the bin during sliding motion without significantly increasing horizontal complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a single track assembly with two support points is used, then the manufacturing process is simpler with fewer components, but the bending moment and material strain increase significantly when supporting large or heavy objects
Solution Approach 1:
The load support function is segmented across four track assemblies instead of two, distributing the bending moment and material strain across multiple contact points. This allows each individual track component to be manufactured with simpler geometry while collectively supporting heavier loads with reduced stress concentration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different geometries to the rail and track components optimized for their specific local functions. The rail features engagement surfaces positioned to maximize load distribution, while the track is designed with complementary geometry to receive and support the rail, creating locally optimized stress distribution across the assembly
3Ease of manufacture
If molded tracks are designed with larger draft angles for easy mold removal, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the bin allows significant movement along z and y axes causing rocking and noise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces vertical offset between the rail and track, creating a three-dimensional engagement geometry. This vertical dimension allows the use of smaller draft angles in the horizontal molding direction while maintaining easy mold removal through vertical ejection, and simultaneously provides precise geometric control that eliminates excessive bin movement and rocking during operation
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding storage compartment assembly for a motor vehicle includes a storage bin slidably received in a storage bin holder by a dual track assembly defined by opposed sets of rails and opposed sets of cooperating tracks. Each of the opposed sets of rails and opposed sets of cooperating tracks are vertically and laterally offset one from another. Each of the opposed sets of rails and each of the opposed sets of cooperating tracks may be vertically offset one from another in a vehicle z-axis direction and laterally offset from one another in a vehicle x-axis direction. The opposed sets of cooperating tracks may be disposed on opposed side walls of the storage bin holder and the opposed sets of rails may be disposed on opposed side walls of the storage bin, or vice-versa. Console assemblies including the sliding storage compartment assembly are described.