Expandable Console With Sliding Bin Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing center console configuration in motor vehicles lacks customization options for different usage scenarios, limiting its versatility and adaptability to various applications.

Innovation Solution

An expandable and reconfigurable console with a variable volume storage compartment, adjustable partitions, and sliding doors, allowing the bin sections to change storage compartment volumes and configurations to meet specific needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the center console uses a fixed configuration with storage bin and cup holders, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it lacks customization options for different usage scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization optionsVSAvoidconsole structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bin is divided into multiple sections (first bin section and second bin section) that can independently slide along guide tracks, allowing each section to be positioned separately to create different storage configurations and volumes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bin sections are made movable rather than fixed, sliding along guide tracks to change positions and orientations, enabling the storage compartment volume and configuration to be dynamically adjusted based on different usage needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the bin sections are made movable to change storage volume, then customization is enabled, but the mechanism becomes more complex with guide tracks and sliding components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage configurationVSAvoidsliding mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide tracks serve multiple functions: they guide the sliding motion of bin sections, define the range of movement, and provide structural support for the movable components, reducing the need for separate control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bin sections can be manually slid to desired positions without requiring motors or complex actuation systems, using the guide tracks as self-contained guidance structures that work passively with the movable bins.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If adjustable partitions and sliding doors are added to enhance functionality, then user needs are better met, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveusabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The console is divided into modular components including adjustable partitions and sliding doors that can be independently manufactured and then assembled, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partitions are designed to be adjustable to different positions, allowing the storage compartment configuration to be changed without replacing entire components, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while enhancing usability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10106092B2Expandable and reconfigurable console

Publication Date: 2018.10.23 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A center console includes a base and a bin supported on the base. The bin has a first section and a second section that define a variable volume storage compartment.