Automotive Floor Mat Evacuation Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing floor mats for motor vehicles are inadequate in managing water and particulate accumulation, as their limited volumetric capacity and design lead to overflow during vehicular movements and potential capillary absorption by garments, failing to effectively protect occupants' clothing from stains and corrosion.
Innovation Solution
A floor mat assembly comprising a ribbed mat with an integrated evacuation unit, including a pump and reservoir, that directs and collects liquid-based substances and particulates, and actively pumps them out for disposal, supplemented by an auxiliary mat for enhanced protection and drainage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If ribbing is used to create channels for collecting substances, then garment protection is improved, but the volumetric capacity is limited and substances can overflow during vehicular movements
Solution Approach 1:
The floor mat is divided into multiple channels separated by ribs, with each channel acting as an independent collection zone. This segmentation allows the system to handle larger quantities of substances while maintaining effective garment protection through the distributed channel structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a two-dimensional surface collection system to a three-dimensional containment system by creating deep channels with substantial volumetric capacity. The channels extend vertically to provide adequate storage volume while maintaining the ribbed structure for garment protection.
2Quantity of substance
If channels are created to store substances, then collection capacity is improved, but substances can overflow the ribbing during sharp turns and absorption by garments is possible through capillarity
Solution Approach 1:
The channels are designed with sufficient volumetric capacity to accommodate expected substance accumulation before overflow can occur. The ribbing structure creates a buffer zone that prevents direct contact between substances and garments, providing a safety margin during vehicular movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The ribbing is designed with rounded contours rather than sharp edges, creating a smooth transition between the channel walls and the garment contact surface. This curvature eliminates capillary action pathways that would otherwise allow substance absorption by garments through sharp ridges.
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
Effectively prevents garment staining and corrosion by actively removing collected substances, reducing moisture-related issues like mold and mildew odors and fogged windows, while accommodating various vehicle configurations and environments.
Implementation Method 1
an evacuation unit being adapted to pump at least some of the substances out of said floor mat
Implementation Method 2
when the water is too close to the upper edges of the ribbing absorption by the occupants' garments is possible, for example by capillarity
Data Source
AI summary
A floor mat assembly (A) comprises a floor mat (10) and an evacuation unit (14) including a pump (16) and a reservoir (18). The floor mat (10) defines a collecting area (36) and ribbing (28, 30) with channels (29, 32) therebetween, which channels (29, 32) are adapted to convey substances, such as water, slush, mud, etc., to the collecting area (36). The pump (16) is provided with an inlet conduit (38) having an entry end thereof located in the collecting area (36). The pump (16) is adapted to pump at least some of these substances out of the collecting area (36) and into the reservoir (18). The evacuation unit (14) is adapted to be removed from the floor mat (10). A decorative auxiliary mat (12) is also provided for positioning atop the floor mat (10).