Inflatable Dashboard Storage Device for Vehicle Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles lack a storage device that can efficiently transition between a not-in-use and a use position, and securely arrest in these positions, especially in the limited space in front of a front-passenger seat, without compromising safety in the event of a crash.
Innovation Solution
A storage device with inflatable supporting elements connected to a two-way compressor and an emergency valve, which can move between positions using rolling-action springs or guide pins, and automatically deploys into a pliant state during a crash to ensure safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a storage device is moved between use and not-in-use positions using a movement mechanism, then space utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an inflatable supporting element connected to a two-way compressor. The compressor can inflate the supporting element to move the storage device into the use position and deflate it to move the device back to the not-in-use position, eliminating the need for complex mechanical movement mechanisms while achieving reversible positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting element changes its physical state between inflated and deflated conditions. When inflated, it provides structural support to hold the storage device in the use position; when deflated, it allows the device to return to the not-in-use position, thus achieving position transformation through parameter change rather than mechanical movement.
2Ease of operation
If the storage device is arrested in use position using inflatable supporting elements, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability decreases in case of crash
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of rigid inflatable structures during a crash into a beneficial safety feature. The inflatable supporting element is designed to rupture or deflate upon impact, transforming from a potential hazard into a safety mechanism that allows the storage device to collapse and reduce injury risk to occupants.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates an emergency valve that can be activated in advance or automatically upon detection of a crash condition. This valve allows rapid deflation of the supporting element, providing beforehand cushioning by preparing the structure to become pliant before actual impact occurs, thereby protecting occupants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a two-way compressor is used to inflate and evacuate supporting elements, then adaptability is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two-way compressor operates in periodic cycles, alternating between inflation and evacuation modes. This periodic operation allows the storage device to transition between use and not-in-use positions as needed, providing adaptability while consuming energy only during the transition phases rather than continuously.
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 storage device effectively utilizes space by moving between use and not-in-use positions, ensuring ergonomic placement and safety by automatically moving into a pliant state during a crash, enhancing passenger convenience and safety.
Implementation Method 1
The two-way compressor generates compressed air for inflating the supporting elements
Implementation Method 2
generates a vacuum in order to evacuate air from the inflated supporting elements
Implementation Method 3
A respective rolling-action spring is advantageously fastened on either side of a respective upwardly directed outer surface of the respective lamella
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle with a vehicle interior includes a dashboard arranged in front of at least one front seat. A storage device is movable in a reversible manner, by way of a movement mechanism, from a not-in-use position in the dashboard into a use position in front of the front seat. The storage device is arrested at least in the use position. In the use position, the storage device has a carrying structure made up of two laterally arranged, inflated supporting elements. An approximately horizontally oriented table top is arranged on the two supporting elements.