Modular Overhead Console with Gas Spring Lid for Heavy Trucks

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing overhead consoles in heavy commercial vehicles lack a modular structure, easy access, and a practical open/close system, often causing difficulties in storage and maintenance due to their design and limited ergonomic height, which can lead to distractions and increased maintenance costs.

Innovation Solution

A modular overhead console with a downward-opening lid system, secured to the ceiling, featuring a piston mechanism for easy access and a modular structure that can be extended and divided into sections, allowing for customizable storage and improved ergonomics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If storage areas are placed near the ceiling portion within the cabin, then storage capacity is improved, but safety deteriorates due to risk of distraction and materials falling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidsafety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The overhead console is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment for bed equipment, second compartment for personal effects, third compartment for food/beverages). This segmentation allows materials to be organized by category and kept securely in place, reducing the risk of items falling while maintaining ceiling-level storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The console provides pre-designed organized compartments with lids that keep materials secured before the vehicle is in motion. The preliminary organization of materials in designated compartments prevents them from becoming loose or falling during transport, addressing the safety concern while maintaining storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a single-section storage area is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as different material categories must be stored together

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage structureVSAvoidstorage organization

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The overhead console is divided into multiple compartments (first compartment for bed equipment, second compartment for personal effects, third compartment for food/beverages). This segmentation allows materials to be organized by category and kept securely in place, reducing the risk of items falling while maintaining ceiling-level storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If rail systems or trussed systems are used for lid control, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to deformation and maintenance issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid controlVSAvoidsystem durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rail system or trussed system with a gas spring mechanism. The gas spring provides controlled lifting force to open the lid and maintains it in the open position, eliminating the complex mechanical linkages that are prone to deformation and failure. This substitution significantly improves reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Volume of stationary object

If overhead console is positioned at high ceiling level, then storage capacity is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to ergonomic height issues

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rail system or trussed system with a gas spring mechanism. The gas spring provides controlled lifting force to open the lid and maintains it in the open position, eliminating the complex mechanical linkages that are prone to deformation and failure. This substitution significantly improves reliability while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 modular design provides easy access to stored materials, reduces maintenance costs, and enhances user safety by minimizing distractions during vehicle operation, while allowing for customizable storage solutions tailored to specific vehicle needs.

Implementation Method 1

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, there is a gas spring which provides lifting force to the lid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas spring:

Data Source

PatentEP3611052B1An overhead console for cabin of heavy commercial vehicles

Publication Date: 2020.09.23 FORD OTOMOTIV SANAYI ANONIM SIRKETI

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AI summary

This invention is related to an overhead console (1) for cabin heavy commercial vehicles which is used as a storage areas within the cabin of the heavy commercial vehicles and is located on the ceiling portion of the vehicle cabin, is structured by combining a plurality of consoles (2) from their side surfaces, the consoles (2) being attached and removed to/from each other, the storage area being opened from upwards to downwards.