Instrument Panel Storage Box Linkage for Reduced Reach Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle glove compartments built into the instrument panel can be inconvenient for accessing stored articles due to the need to stretch from the driver's or passenger's seat, making it difficult to get items in and out.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle article storage structure with a movably supported article storage unit that transitions from a housed position to a drawn position via an intermediate position, utilizing a link mechanism to facilitate easier access by moving the storage unit rearward and lowering it for improved accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the article storage unit is built into the instrument panel, then the storage unit is integrated into the vehicle structure, but the occupant needs to stretch the arm toward the front side making it inconvenient to access articles
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is transformed from a static fixed structure to a dynamic movable structure. The link mechanism enables the storage unit to move between a housed position (integrated in instrument panel) and a drawn position (extended rearward for easy access). This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction by allowing the storage unit to provide both structural integration and ease of access at different operational states.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage unit movement is extended into the front-rear dimension of the vehicle. By moving the storage unit rearward along the longitudinal axis, the design creates a new spatial dimension for access, allowing occupants to reach items without stretching forward. This dimensional extension resolves the accessibility issue while maintaining structural integration.
2Ease of operation
If the storage unit is positioned in the instrument panel, then the storage unit is within reach of occupants, but the occupant needs to stretch the arm toward the front side making it difficult to get items in and out
Solution Approach 1:
The storage unit is made movable to dynamically adjust its position. When accessed, the storage unit moves rearward to reduce the reach distance, eliminating the need for occupants to stretch their arms forward. This dynamic positioning directly addresses the contradiction between being within reach and requiring excessive stretching.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism serves as an intermediary that transfers the movement force to the storage unit. This mechanism enables smooth transition between housed and drawn positions, mediating between the fixed instrument panel structure and the movable storage unit to achieve easy access without excessive reaching.
3Ease of operation
If the article storage unit is moved to a drawn position rearward from the housed position, then accessibility is improved, but the storage unit requires a link mechanism for movement
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism performs multiple functions: it enables movement of the storage unit, provides structural support, guides the movement path, and maintains connection between the fixed and movable components. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by consolidating multiple requirements into a single mechanism rather than requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The link mechanism enables the storage unit to transition between static (housed) and dynamic (drawn) states. This dynamic capability is essential for resolving the accessibility contradiction, and the mechanism's complexity is warranted by the significant improvement in ease of operation it provides.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vehicle article storage structure includes an article storage box (13) provided with an opening (33a) on the upper side for getting articles in and out, a housing unit (15) provided on the lower side of an instrument panel (3) to house the article storage box (13), and links (35, 37, and 39) configured to movably support the article storage box (13) along a range from a housed position at which the article storage box (13) is housed in the housing unit (15) to a drawn position at which the article storage box (13) is drawn in a vehicle compartment rearward direction from the housed position via an intermediate position at which the article storage box (13) is located between the housed position and the drawn position, the intermediate position being located below the housed position and the drawn position.