Vehicle Footrest Storage Compartment Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing footrest devices for vehicles are difficult to install and require laborious access to the storage compartment, with increased manufacturing costs due to complex integration under the insulating layer and large wedge design.

Innovation Solution

A footrest with a support surface featuring connecting members that allow the storage compartment to be easily accessed and positioned between the support surface and the coating layer, including a pivot connection and locking means for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling the storage compartment to be closed or made accessible without removing the textile covering.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the storage compartment is integrated under the insulating layer within the wedge structure, then the storage function is provided, but the installation becomes complex and access to the storage compartment requires removing the textile covering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage functionVSAvoidaccess to storage compartment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The footrest is divided into separate components: the wedge structure providing support and the storage compartment as a distinct removable element. This segmentation allows the storage compartment to be accessed independently without removing the textile covering, while still providing integrated storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A removable access panel or flap is introduced as an intermediary element between the textile covering and the storage compartment. This intermediary allows access to the storage compartment without requiring removal of the entire covering, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling easy access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the wedge is made of thermoplastic material with integrated insulating layer and textile coating, then sound insulation and aesthetic constraints are met, but manufacturing cost increases due to complex integration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound insulationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The footrest components are segmented into separate manufacturable parts: the wedge structure, the insulating layer, and the textile coating can be produced separately and then assembled. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to integrated molding, while maintaining the required sound insulation properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The footrest uses composite construction combining different materials (thermoplastic wedge, acoustic foam insulating layer, and textile covering) that are assembled together. This allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and manufactured separately, reducing overall manufacturing cost while achieving required sound insulation and aesthetic properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Volume of stationary object

If the wedge volume is increased to provide storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment is segmented as a separate removable component rather than being integrated into the main wedge structure. This allows the storage volume to be provided without increasing the size or complexity of the primary wedge, thus avoiding increased manufacturing costs for the main structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage compartment is designed to nest within the existing wedge structure or utilize the space between the wedge and the floor panel. This nesting approach provides additional storage volume without requiring an increase in the overall wedge volume, thereby avoiding increased manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP2768699B1Vehicle foot-rest
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 RENAULT SA
  • EP2768699B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2768699B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a foot-rest (20) for a motor vehicle comprising a support surface (23) facing at least part of which a sound insulation mat can be extended, mounted on the floor (2) of the motor vehicle, comprising an insulating layer (3) interposed between the floor (2) and a coating layer (4) mounted on said insulating layer (3), said foot-rest further comprising a storage compartment (27). According to the invention, said support surface (23) comprises an inner face (26) intended to be positioned facing an outer face (41) of said coating layer (4), said inner face (26) being provided with links (261, 262) designed to support said storage compartment (27) in such a way that the inner volume of said storage compartment (27) extends between said inner face (26) of said support surface (23) and said outer face (41) of said coating layer (4).