Movable Partition Storage System for Vehicle Luggage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle storage systems fail to efficiently accommodate luggage of new passengers when other passengers' luggage occupies available space, and there is a lack of secure access control for luggage compartments.
Innovation Solution
A universal storage system with movable partitions and a cover mechanism, controlled by a user interface and actuator system, which adjusts compartment sizes and access based on object size and user authorization, ensuring optimal space utilization and secure compartment access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If luggage is stored in the trunk, frunk, or passenger cabin, then storage capacity is achieved, but space availability is reduced when multiple passengers have luggage
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple independently controllable compartments separated by movable partitions. Each compartment can be individually accessed and configured, allowing the system to segment storage space to accommodate different passenger luggage requirements simultaneously, thereby maintaining both total storage capacity and adaptable space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The partitions are made movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of compartment sizes and arrangements. This enables the storage system to adapt its internal layout based on the number and size of luggage items, optimizing space utilization while maintaining overall storage capacity for multiple passengers.
2Ease of operation
If passengers have access to the vehicle for unloading luggage, then convenience is improved, but security is worsened without permission or knowledge of other passengers
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a user interface and controller that track and manage access to each compartment. When a passenger deposits or retrieves luggage, the system records this information and controls access accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that only authorized passengers can access their own luggage compartments, maintaining security while allowing convenient access for legitimate users.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage chamber is segmented into multiple secure compartments, each with its own cover mechanism controlled independently. This segmentation allows the system to grant access to specific compartments based on authorization, rather than providing universal access to all storage spaces, thereby maintaining both convenience for authorized users and security against unauthorized access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If partitions are made movable to define different compartments, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The partition actuator system is integrated with the overall control system, allowing automatic actuation of partitions based on luggage deposit information received through the user interface. The system self-manages the configuration changes without requiring manual intervention, reducing operational complexity despite the mechanical complexity of movable partitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable partition system serves multiple functions: it defines compartment boundaries, enables flexible space configuration, and works in conjunction with the cover mechanism to provide secure access control. By integrating these functions into a single system, the patent reduces overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability for different storage scenarios.
4Reliability
If cover elements are added to secure compartments, then security is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover mechanism is merged with the partition system and controlled by the same controller that manages partition movement. This integration allows the cover actuators to be coordinated with partition actuators through a single control system, reducing overall device complexity while providing enhanced security through cover elements that protect compartment contents.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal storage system for a motor vehicle includes an enclosure defining a chamber, a plurality of partitions, and a partition actuator for moving the partitions within the chamber to define a plurality of compartments. The system further includes a cover actuator for moving the cover elements to cover the compartments. The system further includes a user interface generating a deposit signal indicative of a size of an object to be deposited into the enclosure. The system further includes a controller generating first and second actuation signals. The partition actuator moves the partitions to the predetermined positions to define a compartment sized for receiving the object in response to receiving the first actuation signal from the controller. The cover actuator moves the cover elements to the predetermined locations for uncovering the compartment in response to receiving the second actuation signal from the controller.