Modular Vehicle Console With Swappable Storage and Display Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle consoles lack enhanced features for storage, functionality, and versatility, particularly in terms of modular design and integration of user interfaces for accessing items and services.
Innovation Solution
A modular vehicle console with a base, housing, and connector assembly that supports compartments, trays, display devices, and airflow systems, allowing for removable modules and swappable housings with features like user interfaces, vending compartments, and deployable tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed console design is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the functionality and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The console is divided into separate functional modules including a base module, housing module, tray module, and display module. Each module can be independently manufactured, assembled, and replaced, enabling enhanced functionality while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The console base is designed with universal mounting interfaces that can accommodate multiple types of housings and modules. The same base structure supports various configurations including storage trays, display devices, and service compartments, allowing one structure to serve multiple functions
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular console with multiple compartments and modules is implemented, then the storage capacity and functionality are enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The console system is segmented into standardized modules with uniform connection interfaces. The base module provides universal mounting, while housing modules, tray modules, and display modules can be independently selected and assembled, reducing the complexity of managing multiple components through standardization
Solution Approach 2:
Smaller functional modules are nested within larger housing structures. For example, trays are positioned within compartment spaces, display devices are mounted within housing modules, and multiple modules are integrated within the overall console assembly, creating a compact hierarchical structure
3Ease of operation
If a display device and user interface are integrated into the console, then the ease of operation for accessing items is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The display device and user interface are implemented as separate, independently manufacturable modules that interface with the console base through standardized connections. This allows the display module to be manufactured and tested separately, then integrated into the overall console assembly, simplifying the manufacturing process for each component
Solution Approach 2:
A standardized interface module serves as an intermediary between the display device and the console base. This interface layer handles electrical connections, mechanical mounting, and signal routing, allowing the display device to be manufactured by different suppliers while maintaining compatibility with the console system
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle console has a base, a connector assembly configured to connect the base to a vehicle support, a housing supported on the base, the housing comprising a first compartment and a second compartment, a lid covering the first compartment and defining an armrest on a top surface, at least one tray for holding one or more items in position within the second compartment, and a display device supported by the housing.