Motorized Console Door with Obstruction Feedback and Dust Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional console units with storage receptacles or cup holders are aesthetically unpleasing when exposed, prone to dust accumulation, and lack safe motorized actuation mechanisms to prevent damage from foreign objects during closure.
Innovation Solution
A console unit with a motorized compartment or door that pivots between closed and open positions, featuring a rotary driven screw-threaded actuator mechanism with a return spring or electronic monitoring to ensure safe operation and prevent damage from foreign objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the storage receptacle or cup holder is always open and exposed, then it is readily accessible for use, but it collects dust and becomes dirty
Solution Approach 1:
The storage receptacle is made dynamic by providing a movable door that can transition between open and closed positions. The door is actuated by a motorized actuator that responds to user input or automated control, allowing the receptacle to be accessible when needed while protected when not in use. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between accessibility and dust protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the storage receptacle or cup holder is normally hidden, then it maintains aesthetic appeal and reduces dust accumulation, but it is not readily accessible for use
Solution Approach 1:
The door providing aesthetic coverage when closed is made dynamically controllable through motorized actuation. The actuator enables the door to open smoothly upon receiving control signals, providing quick access to the storage receptacle while maintaining its concealed, aesthetically pleasing appearance during normal periods. This dynamic control system resolves the contradiction between aesthetic concealment and operational accessibility.
3Extent of automation
If a motorized actuator is used to close the console compartment or door, then automated operation is achieved, but damage may occur if a foreign object or person's hand is interposed during closure
Solution Approach 1:
A safety system with feedback mechanisms is integrated into the motorized actuator control. Sensors detect the presence of foreign objects or hands in the closure path and provide feedback signals to the control system. When an obstruction is detected, the actuator automatically stops or reverses its closing motion, preventing damage to the door, actuator, or injury to users. This feedback control resolves the contradiction between automated operation and safety reliability.
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 console unit maintains aesthetic compatibility, reduces dust accumulation, and ensures safe operation by automatically terminating closure when a foreign object is detected, preventing damage to the actuator or objects.
Implementation Method 1
a first position at which the compartment or door is CLOSED and a second position at which the compartment or door is OPENED... a return spring or electronic monitoring to ensure safe operation
Data Source
AI summary
A console unit having a compartment door operatively incorporated therein, and within the upper part of the compartment or door, there is provided a storage receptacle for holding various different items, such as, for example, a book, a magazine, remote control devices, a wireless charging pad, a dock, or alternatively, the storage receptacle comprises at least one cup holder for holding a beverage container, and wherein further a motorized mechanism is provided within the console for moving the component, compartment, or door of the console unit between a first position at which the component, compartment, or door is CLOSED such that the storage receptacle or at least one cup holder is hidden within a forward section of the console unit, and a second position at which the component, compartment, or door is OPENED and projects forwardly and outwardly from the console unit such that the storage receptacle or the at least one cup holder is exposed and may in fact be utilized to hold various items, such as, for example, the aforenoted book, magazine, remote control devices, or a beverage when the storage receptacle comprises a cup holder. The console unit may comprise a stand-alone unit which is adapted to be disposed alongside a lounger chair or interposed between a pair of lounger chairs, or alternatively, the console unit may be integrally incorporated within at least one side wall portion of the lounger chair.