Vehicular Overhead Console With Tandem-Opening Storage Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicular overhead consoles lack efficient storage solutions and integrated features like projection systems and lighting, which can enhance user experience and functionality within the vehicle cabin.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular overhead console with adjustable storage compartments and a mechanical actuator system that allows for easy access, combined with a projection module and lighting features, providing increased storage capacity and multimedia functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional overhead console design is used, then the structure is simple, but storage functionality and user experience are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The overhead console is divided into multiple independent storage compartments, each with its own cover panel that can be opened or closed independently. This segmentation allows for organized storage of different items while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead console integrates multiple functions including storage compartments, lighting features, and control switches within a single unit. This multi-functionality enhances versatility without requiring separate devices, though it does increase structural complexity.
2Quantity of substance
If multiple storage compartments are added, then storage capacity increases, but access complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple cover panels are mechanically linked through a common actuator system, allowing them to be opened or closed simultaneously with a single action. This merging of operations simplifies access to multiple compartments while maintaining increased storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panels are designed to be movable between closed and opened positions, with the ability to be dynamically controlled either manually or through automated actuators. This dynamic design facilitates easy access to stored items.
3Device complexity
If manual operation of cover panels is used, then the mechanism is simple, but simultaneous operation of multiple panels is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A single actuator mechanism is coupled to multiple cover panels through linkages, enabling simultaneous opening or closing of all panels with one action. This merging of control functions improves operation efficiency while adding moderate mechanical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical linkages serve as intermediaries between the single actuator and multiple cover panels, transmitting the actuating force to all panels simultaneously. This intermediary mechanism enables coordinated operation without requiring complex electronic controls.
4Reliability
If latch mechanism is added, then retention reliability improves, but release responsiveness may be delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically release when the actuator applies force, without requiring a separate release action. The actuator itself serves the dual function of securing and releasing the latch, reducing the time required for panel access.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is pre-positioned and spring-loaded to engage automatically when panels are closed, ensuring immediate retention. The release mechanism is also pre-positioned to respond instantly when actuated, minimizing delay between activation and panel opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular overhead console includes a housing and a pair of cover panels. Each cover panel is disposed at a respective opening of a pair of openings of the housing and includes a compartment configured to accommodate an item. Each cover panel is adjustable between a closed position and an opened position. A mechanical actuator is accommodated by the housing and coupled to each cover panel. The mechanical actuator is configured to move the cover panels together and in tandem between the closed and opened positions. The mechanical actuator includes a latch mechanism that releasably retains the cover panels in the closed positions. Responsive to at least one of the cover panels being manually moved from the closed position further away from the opened position, the latch mechanism releases the cover panels to allow the cover panels to move toward the opened positions.