Hidden Vehicle Floor Storage with Biometric Notification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage compartments in vehicles occupy valuable space, are visible to passersby, and lack secure access control, making them susceptible to theft.
Innovation Solution
A hidden storage container integrated into the vehicle's floor panel with a biometric lock, mass sensor, lid sensor, and notification system that alerts the user of unauthorized access via a transmitter and remote receiver.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional storage compartments are provided in the passenger cabin, then storage convenience is improved, but passenger compartment space is reduced and visibility to passersby increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is relocated from traditional upper cabinet positions to the floor panel area, utilizing previously underutilized vertical space in the footwell area. This dimensional relocation maintains storage accessibility while preserving passenger compartment volume and reducing visibility to passersby.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is segmented into a removable container unit that can be independently accessed and removed from the vehicle. This segmentation allows the storage function to be separated from the main passenger compartment structure, providing flexible space utilization and maintaining open floor space when the container is removed.
2Ease of operation
If conventional storage compartments are provided in the passenger cabin, then storage convenience is improved, but visibility to passersby increases inviting theft
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is positioned in the footwell area where it remains accessible to occupants but is concealed from external view. This localized positioning provides different visibility qualities for internal users versus external passersby, maintaining convenience while reducing theft risk.
Solution Approach 2:
A biometric authentication system serves as an intermediary between the user and the storage contents, providing an additional layer of security. The biometric scanner verifies user identity before allowing access, preventing unauthorized theft even if the container is accessed.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided to safeguard interior contents, then security is improved, but ease of access is reduced and key locks can be easily compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical key lock system is replaced with a biometric authentication system using fingerprint or other biometric scanners. This substitution eliminates the need for physical keys that can be lost or duplicated, while providing more convenient access through automated biometric verification and maintaining high security through unique biological identifiers.
Solution Approach 2:
The biometric authentication system provides self-service access where the container automatically verifies the user's identity and grants or denies access without requiring manual key insertion or code entry. This self-verifying system improves both security and ease of access simultaneously.
4Reliability
If a biometric lock and notification system are added to the storage container, then security and theft prevention are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The notification system is designed to serve multiple functions: it alerts the owner of unauthorized access attempts, provides location information if the container is removed from the vehicle, and can send notifications to multiple contacts. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by providing comprehensive security monitoring and response capabilities in a single integrated system.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle having a hidden storage compartment with a user notification system and method of using the same is provided. The vehicle includes a storage container securely fixed onto an interior surface of a vehicle floor panel in the footwell area. A floor covering is disposed over the footwell area covering the storage container and includes a flap having a living hinge configured to selectively cover and uncover the lid of the storage container. The storage container includes a biometric scanner, a mass sensor, and a lid sensor in communication with a notification controller. The notification controller analyzes the information received from the biometric scanner, lid sensor, and mass sensor, and determines the state of the storage container based on a logic table. The notification controller then selectively transmit a predetermined message to the user based on the state of the storage container.