Elastic Holding Member for Variable-Width Vehicle Console Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle centre consoles face challenges in design and functionality, particularly in multi-use abilities, appealing design, and cost-effectiveness, often requiring numerous parts and complex mechanical functions.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle centre console design featuring an elongated, elastic holding member that can be attached to a base member, allowing for variable-width compartments to accommodate items like CD-cases and cups, reducing the need for multiple parts and fixtures, and extending the structure around the gear lever, thereby simplifying the design and reducing construction time and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate parts (gear gator, main console plastic shroud, cup holder, jalousie, hinges) are used to create a functional centre console, then the functionality and multi-use abilities are improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate functional components (cup holder, storage compartments, gear lever surround) into a single integrated holding member made of elastic material. This elastic holding member can be molded to provide multiple functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate parts while maintaining all required functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic holding member is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides structural support around the gear lever, creates cup holder compartments, forms storage compartments with lids, and acts as a mounting structure. This single component replaces multiple specialized parts, achieving multi-functionality without increasing complexity.
2Reliability
If expensive mechanical functions and multiple fixtures (screws, clips) are used to assemble the centre console, then the reliability and stability are improved, but the manufacturing cost and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical assembly methods (screws, clips, hinges) with a monolithic elastic component that provides structural integrity through its material properties and molded geometry. The elastic holding member is designed to be mounted as a single piece, eliminating the need for multiple fixtures and complex mechanical fastening systems.
Solution Approach 2:
While the holding member itself is integrated, the patent incorporates movable elements like storage compartment lids that can open and close. These lids are designed to pivot or slide on simple guides integrated into the elastic structure, providing necessary movement functionality without requiring expensive mechanical hinges or complex linkage systems.
3Strength
If traditional rigid structures are used for the centre console, then the structural strength is improved, but the adaptability to hold various objects of different sizes and shapes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastic properties of the holding member material to create compartments with variable width. The elastic material can deform to accommodate objects of different sizes and shapes while maintaining structural integrity. The compartments can expand or contract as needed, providing adaptability without sacrificing strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The holding member is made of elastic material that forms flexible yet strong walls for the compartments. This elastic shell structure can adapt its shape and size to hold various objects (CD-cases, cups, etc.) while maintaining sufficient structural strength to support the contents and withstand use.
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 provides a simple, reliable, and attractive design with reduced parts and construction time, achieving cost-effectiveness while ensuring secure storage for various objects with a modern and functional approach.
Implementation Method 1
at least one elongated, elastic flap or tongue extends along substantially the entire length of said holding member, said flap or tongue being configured to define between itself and said base member at least a part of at least one compartment for one or more objects, said compartment being variable in width owing to the elasticity of said elongated, elastic flaps or tongues
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vehicle centre console which is arranged to be mounted in a vehicle so as to extend in the longitudinal direction of the vehicle. This vehicle centre console comprises a base member (1) and a holding member (2). The holding member (2), which is attached to and supported by the base member (1), is configured for holding objects, such as CD-cases (3), cups (4) etc.. The holding member comprises at least one elongated, elastic member (2) which extends along substantially the entire length of the base member (1) and which is configured to define at least a part of at least one compartment (7, 7a, 7b,..., 7l) for one or more objects (3, 4), said compartment being variable in width owing to the elasticity of said elongated, elastic member.