Deployable Footrest With Integrated Storage And Climate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interior designs lack a practical and comfortable solution for deployable footrests with integrated storage and climate control, which limits occupant convenience and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A deployable footrest assembly with a multi-link mechanism, such as a scissor lift, integrated into the interior trim panel, allowing for various positions and coupled with a storage container that can be accessed via a switch-operated actuator, and optionally equipped with a heating and ventilation system and massaging device, providing both footrest functionality and personal storage with climate control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a deployable footrest is integrated into the interior trim panel, then occupant comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The footrest assembly is merged with the interior trim panel, integrating multiple functions (footrest, storage container, climate control) into a single unified structure. This reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall device complexity while maintaining occupant comfort benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The interior trim panel is designed to perform multiple functions: serving as a structural panel, housing a deployable footrest, containing a storage container, and integrating climate control systems. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would traditionally require separate components, thereby improving comfort without proportionally increasing complexity
2Ease of operation
If a storage container is integrated with the deployable footrest, then convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is integrated within the footrest assembly structure, combining storage functionality with the footrest mechanism. This merging of functions into a single integrated unit provides convenience for storing personal items while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through shared structural components
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is nested within the footrest assembly, with the container positioned to utilize the space created by the deployable footrest structure. This nesting approach allows the storage function to be incorporated without requiring additional external components, thereby improving convenience while controlling complexity
3Ease of operation
If a heating and ventilation system is coupled with the storage container, then comfort is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating and ventilation system is integrated with the vehicle's existing climate control system, allowing the same system to serve multiple functions: climate control for the passenger compartment and climate control for the storage container. This multi-functionality approach improves comfort for stored items while minimizing additional energy consumption by utilizing existing system capacity
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container climate control is designed to operate independently when needed, with the ability to maintain appropriate temperature and ventilation for stored items without requiring continuous operation of the main climate system. This self-service capability provides comfort for stored items while reducing overall energy consumption by activating only when necessary
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior is disclosed herein. The vehicle interior having an interior trim panel; a footrest assembly operably coupled to the interior trim panel, the footrest assembly having: a deployable footrest positionable from a stowed position wherein the deployable footrest is not visually perceivable to a fully deployed position such that the footrest is accessible; a deployable mechanism that enables the footrest assembly to be manipulated between the stowed position and the fully deployed position; and a storage container integrated with the deployable footrest.