Fold-Down Vehicle Center Console for Seat Rotation Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles with rigid center consoles cannot be effectively moved in small interiors, particularly in electric vehicles with narrow floors designed to house batteries, hindering the rotation of vehicle seats and requiring complex mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A center console that can be moved via a folding mechanism from an upright to a folded position, lowered relative to the floor surface, with elements connected by pivot axes and hinges, and actuated by motors or cylinders, allowing it to be stowed in the vehicle floor without obstructing seat rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If the center console is designed as a fixed structure with storage surfaces, lids, monitors, control panels and touchscreens, then the structural stability and functionality are maintained, but the flexibility and adaptability of the interior space are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The center console is designed with movable components that can transition between fixed and movable states. The folding mechanism allows the console to change its configuration dynamically, enabling it to provide both structural stability when needed and flexibility for space reconfiguration. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction by making the structure adaptable rather than permanently fixed or entirely movable.
2Ease of operation
If the center console remains in a horizontal position to provide storage and control functions, then the accessibility and usability of controls are maintained, but the space between seats is occupied and passenger interaction is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The center console incorporates a folding mechanism that enables it to pivot between a horizontal position (providing accessibility to controls and storage) and a folded position (freeing up space between seats). This dynamic positioning capability allows the console to adapt to different usage scenarios, resolving the contradiction between maintaining control accessibility and preserving passenger space.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding mechanism introduces rotational movement in a vertical dimension, allowing the console to transition from occupying horizontal space between seats to a folded configuration that minimizes its footprint in that dimension. This dimensional transformation enables the console to provide both functionality and space efficiency at different times.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the center console is made movable to increase space flexibility, then the adaptability of the interior is improved, but the complexity of the mechanism and potential reliability issues increase
Solution Approach 1:
The center console uses a folding mechanism with lifting cylinders that enables controlled movement between positions. This dynamic system provides space flexibility while managing complexity through engineered components designed for reliable operation. The mechanism allows the console to adapt to different configurations without requiring overly complex systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Lifting cylinders are employed to assist the folding mechanism, providing controlled movement and support for the movable center console. This pneumatic or hydraulic assistance reduces the mechanical complexity that would otherwise be required to achieve smooth, controlled folding and unfolding operations, while maintaining reliability through proven actuation technology.
4Area of stationary object
If the center console folds to a second position to create space, then the flexibility and passenger interaction are improved, but the accessibility and usability of controls and storage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The center console's folding mechanism enables it to dynamically switch between a horizontal position (providing control accessibility) and a folded position (creating space). This dynamic capability allows the system to optimize for either function depending on the situation, resolving the contradiction by making accessibility conditional rather than permanent or nonexistent.
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
Enables elegant seat rotation in small vehicle interiors by creating space for seat movement without occupying additional interior area, enhancing occupant interaction and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The center console (1002) comprises a folding mechanism and at least one lifting cylinder (1027)
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
The invention relates to a center console (1002) with at least one storage surface, a lid, a monitor, a control panel and/or a touchscreen (1007) between two seats (1003a, 1003b) in a motor vehicle, wherein the center console (1002) is movable from a first use state in a first position to a second use state in a second position, wherein the position of the storage surface, the lid, the monitor, the control panel and/or the touchscreen (1007) changes between the first use state and the second use state, and wherein the center console (1002) leaves a space between the seats (1003a, 1003b) in the second use state, and wherein the storage surface, the lid, the monitor, the control panel and/or the touchscreen (1007) are moved when the center console (1002) is moved from a first,The center console (1002) is movable from a substantially horizontal position in the first state of use into a second, folded, substantially horizontal position in the second state of use. The center console comprises a folding mechanism and at least one lifting cylinder (1027). The invention further relates to a motor vehicle with such a center console (1002) movably arranged next to a rotatable seat (1003a, 1003b).