Movable Dual Console Rail Structure for Flexible Vehicle Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle consoles occupy a large portion of in-vehicle space, limiting spatial and functional utility, and become inaccessible when seats are adjusted, especially in future autonomous vehicles with movable floor panels.
Innovation Solution
A separately movable console structure comprising a first and second console, each movable along a console rail, with drive units and a controller allowing independent or combined movement, and a distance sensor for adjusting speed based on separation distance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single box console structure is fixedly mounted on the floor panel, then the console structure is simple and stable, but the spatial utility and functional utility are low and passengers cannot easily use the console
Solution Approach 1:
The console is divided into a first console and a second console that can be separately moved along the console rail. The first console is positioned underneath the armrest cover and the second console is positioned behind the first console, allowing independent movement and positioning to serve different user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The console structure transitions from a fixed single box design to a dynamic multi-component system. The first and second consoles can be independently moved along the console rail using drive units, enabling the console to adapt its position and configuration based on usage requirements.
2Ease of operation
If the console is fixedly mounted on the floor panel, then the console structure is stable, but the console moves farther away from the seat when the seat is moved forward or backward, reducing accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The console is transformed from a fixed mounting to a movable system that can dynamically adjust its position along the console rail. The drive units enable the console to follow seat movement and maintain optimal positioning for user accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A sensor unit detects the position of the seat and provides feedback to the controller. The controller then actuates the drive units to move the console to an appropriate position based on the detected seat position, ensuring continuous accessibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single console structure is used, then the device complexity is low, but the spatial utility is limited and cannot accommodate various user needs
Solution Approach 1:
The console is segmented into multiple independently movable units (first console and second console) that can be positioned separately. This allows different portions of the console to serve different functions and user needs simultaneously, maximizing spatial utility.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-console structure with independent movement capability provides universal functionality to serve various user needs. The system can accommodate different seating configurations, user preferences, and functional requirements through flexible positioning of each console unit.
4Productivity
If the console occupies a large portion of in-vehicle space, then the console structure is robust, but the functional utility is low and in-vehicle space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The console system dynamically adjusts its spatial footprint by moving the first and second consoles along the rail. This allows the console to occupy space only when and where needed, maximizing functional utility while minimizing unnecessary space occupation.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the console into separate movable units, the system can concentrate console functionality in specific zones rather than occupying a continuous large area. This segmented approach increases functional density and reduces wasted space.
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a separately movable console structure including a first console positioned underneath an armrest cover and configured to move along a console rail, an insertion portion being formed inside the first console, and a second console positioned behind the first console and configured to move along the console rail. In particular, a protrusion is formed on the second console to be inserted into the insertion portion. The separately movable console structure further includes: a first drive unit fastened to the console rail and configured to apply a driving force to the first console, a second drive unit positioned adjacent to the first drive unit and configured to apply a driving force to the second console, and a controller connected to the first console and configured to move the first and second consoles independently of each other or to move the first and second consoles together with each other.