Reconfigurable Heated Vehicle Shelf With Orientation-Based Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for enhanced features in the cabin interior of motor vehicles, particularly near the tailgate area, to provide a versatile and heated surface for various uses such as tailgating or picnicking, which existing configurations do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigurable heated shelf that can extend between the lateral sides of the cabin interior, adjustable into multiple positions including a horizontal shelf position, a rearward shelf position, and an angled seat backrest position, equipped with a heating device, orientation sensor, and controller to manage temperature based on position, and a lighting system to indicate temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed shelf configuration is used in the vehicle cabin, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the versatility and adaptability for different uses (tailgating, picnicking, seating) is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed with movable and reconfigurable components that allow it to transition between multiple positions and configurations. The shelf can be adjusted from a horizontal cargo barrier position to various angled positions, and can be divided into separate sections that can be repositioned independently, enabling adaptability for different uses without requiring multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf system is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a cargo barrier when horizontal, as a support surface when angled, and can be configured to provide seating support when divided into sections. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate components
2Temperature
If the shelf is heated to high temperatures for food heating, then the heating effectiveness is improved, but the safety risk and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system incorporates temperature sensing and control mechanisms that dynamically adjust the heating temperature based on the shelf's configuration and usage conditions. When the shelf is in positions suitable for food heating, the system can operate at higher temperatures; when configured for seating or backrest support, the temperature is automatically reduced to safe levels, eliminating the need for manual temperature adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses temperature sensors and orientation sensors to continuously monitor the shelf's state and provides feedback to the heating control system. This feedback loop ensures that heating is applied only when appropriate (when the shelf is in a horizontal or near-horizontal position suitable for food heating) and automatically stops or reduces heating when the shelf is tilted or positioned for seating, preventing safety hazards
3Ease of operation
If the shelf is positioned rearward for tailgating access, then the accessibility and usability for outdoor activities is improved, but the available cargo space in the cabin is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a forward position (maximizing cargo space) and a rearward position (optimizing tailgating accessibility). The movable design allows users to configure the shelf based on their immediate needs, transforming the fixed trade-off into a flexible solution where both cargo capacity and outdoor activity access can be optimized at different times
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
The reconfigurable heated shelf provides a versatile heated surface for different uses, enhancing the tailgating experience by offering adjustable positions for both food heating and occupant comfort, while ensuring safe and efficient operation when the vehicle is stationary.
Implementation Method 1
a heating device operable to heat the shelf
Implementation Method 2
an orientation sensor to sense orientation of the shelf in one of the first position, second position and backrest position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a body defining an interior cabin having at least one seat and a tailgate rearward of the at least one seat at a rear end of the cabin interior, a shelf configured to extend between lateral sides of the cabin interior in a region between the at least one seat and the liftgate. The shelf is configured to be arranged in one of a first shelf position, a second shelf position and a seat backrest position, and a heating device operable to heat the shelf. The vehicle also includes an orientation sensor to sense orientation of the shelf in one of the first position, second position and backrest position, and a controller controlling temperature of the heating element based on the sensed orientation of the shelf.