Hinged Vehicle Shelf with Integrated Device Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle compartment furniture is complex, large, and vulnerable to accidents, failing to provide optimal ergonomics and durability for passenger comfort in long journeys.
Innovation Solution
A simplified furniture design with a fixed structural console and hinged shelves that rotate between raised and lowered positions, featuring a robust pivot connection and integrated support for electronic devices, along with power and connection outlets for enhanced stability and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If complex deployable support is added to hold electronic devices, then ergonomics is improved, but device complexity increases and vulnerability to accidents increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the shelf structure with the electronic device support function into a single integrated unit. The shelf itself serves as both storage and support surface, eliminating the need for separate deployable supports. This integration maintains ergonomic functionality while reducing overall design complexity and vulnerability points.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as storage, as a support surface for electronic devices, and as a structural element of the furniture system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional specialized components, thereby reducing complexity while maintaining ergonomic benefits.
2Ease of operation
If complex deployable support is added to hold electronic devices, then ergonomics is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the shelf and device support into one robust structure, the patent eliminates multiple moving parts and connection points that would be vulnerable to failure. The simplified design with fewer components inherently improves reliability and durability while maintaining ergonomic functionality.
3Ease of operation
If more moving parts are added for deployable support, then ergonomics is improved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of support functionality into the existing shelf structure eliminates the need for separate deployable mechanisms. This simplifies manufacturing processes, reduces assembly steps, and lowers production costs while maintaining the ergonomic benefit of device support.
4Ease of operation
If furniture size is increased to accommodate complex supports, then ergonomics is improved, but space efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf performs multiple functions within its existing dimensions, including storage and electronic device support. This multi-functionality allows the furniture to provide enhanced ergonomics without requiring additional space, as the same structural elements serve multiple purposes.
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 solution results in a more ergonomic, compact, and durable furniture system that enhances passenger comfort by providing stable support for electronic devices and easy access to power, while reducing the risk of accidents and improving overall usability.
Implementation Method 1
each shelf being hinged to the console by the proximal end of the panel, in a movable rotational manner about an axis of articulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle compartment equipment unit (10), comprising a fixed structural console (12) and at least one shelf (14), each shelf (14) comprising a panel (18) having a proximal end (20) and a distal end (22) relative to the console (12), each shelf (14) being hinged to the console (12) by the proximal end (20) of the panel (18), in a movable rotational manner about a hinge axis, between a raised position and a lowered position. The shelf (14) has an edge (19) extending substantially parallel to the hinge axis in the vicinity of the proximal end (20), the edge (19) being integral with the panel (18), the edge (19) and the panel (18) forming a support for equipment (28) in the raised position of the shelf (14).