Modular Vehicle Console With Repositionable Table Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle consoles lack enhanced features and flexibility for storage and functionality, particularly in terms of modular design and adaptability to different vehicle uses.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle console with a base, housing, and table assembly that can be configured to cover access openings, featuring a connector assembly for secure attachment to the vehicle floor, and the ability to swap out modules and housings for different functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed console design is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the adaptability and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The console is divided into modular components including a base, housing, table assembly, and connector assembly that can be independently configured and repositioned. This segmentation allows different functional modules to be combined based on specific needs while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The table assembly is designed to be repositionable along the side walls of the base, transforming from a static fixed console to a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the console to adapt its configuration based on usage requirements while the modular architecture prevents excessive complexity through defined movement paths and standardized mounting mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with multiple components is implemented, then the functionality and storage capacity are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with standardized side walls and connector interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of housings and table assemblies. The housing provides both storage compartment functionality and structural support for the table assembly, while the connector assembly enables both secure attachment and repositioning capabilities, allowing a single base to serve multiple functional configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The table assembly is nested within the spatial envelope defined by the base side walls, with the housing providing storage compartments that can contain or support additional smaller storage elements. This nested arrangement maximizes functional density within the available space while maintaining a compact overall structure that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the table assembly is made repositionable along side walls, then the flexibility and ease of operation are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The table assembly incorporates a repositioning mechanism that allows it to slide along the side walls of the base between different positions. This dynamic capability enables users to adjust the table location for optimal accessibility or storage configuration, while the guided movement path and standardized connectors keep the manufacturing complexity manageable through repeatable production processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the base and table assembly, providing the repositioning functionality through standardized connection and disconnection interfaces. This mediator component isolates the complexity of the repositioning mechanism into a dedicated module, making it easier to manufacture and replace while simplifying the overall assembly process for the main console structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle console has a base, a housing supported on the base on a top surface for providing a storage compartment, the base comprising side walls and an access opening on a top side, and a table assembly configurable to cover the access opening on top of the housing, the table assembly having a support post and an arm that rotates the table assembly to a plurality of positions. The vehicle console also has a connector assembly configured to attach the base onto a support on a floor of a vehicle, the connector assembly comprising a plurality of legs, each leg having a connector for connecting to the floor of the vehicle.