Louvered Vehicle Storage Panel with Integrated Vent and Tool Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage areas are inefficient as they store tire accessories in separate locations, use costly containers, and lack airflow, making accessories hard to access and hindering HVAC system air circulation.
Innovation Solution
A storage panel assembly with louvered exterior and internal surfaces featuring a vent structure and integrated jack wrench and lug nut retention assemblies, allowing easy access to accessories while maintaining airflow and appearing as a standard vent panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If tire accessories are stored in separate locations using plastic bags or containers, then storage organization is achieved, but cost increases and accessibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple storage functions (jack storage, wrench storage, lug nut storage) into a single integrated storage panel assembly, eliminating the need for separate containers and plastic bags. This merging approach reduces overall cost while improving accessibility by consolidating all tire accessories in one location.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage panel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stores the jack, wrench, and lug nuts, while also functioning as an HVAC vent. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate storage containers, reducing cost and simplifying the overall system.
2Strength
If solid panels are used for storage areas, then structural integrity is maintained, but air flow from HVAC system is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The storage panel incorporates a louvered design with multiple vents that allow air to pass through while maintaining structural integrity. The louvered structure provides controlled porosity, enabling HVAC air circulation through the panel without compromising its strength or storage functionality.
3Productivity
If vent structures are added to storage panels, then air circulation is improved, but panel appearance becomes blemished
Solution Approach 1:
The storage panel is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as both a storage assembly for tire accessories and as an HVAC vent. The louvered design with integrated vents allows the panel to maintain airflow functionality while presenting a unified appearance that combines storage and ventilation roles.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate storage areas are provided for tire accessories, then component organization is achieved, but accessibility and retrieval time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges storage for the jack, wrench, and lug nuts into a single integrated panel assembly, allowing all tire accessories to be accessed from one location. This eliminates the need to search through multiple separate storage areas, significantly reducing retrieval time while maintaining organized component storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage panel assembly for a vehicle includes a panel having a louvered exterior and internal surfaces. A vent structure is formed on a portion of the panel. At least one jack wrench clip assembly is formed on the portion of the panel including the vent structure. The exterior louvered surface of the panel remains unblemished.