Panel End Cap Storage with Door-Linked Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, the limited space on the instrument panel poses a challenge for providing nonvisible and secure storage solutions within the cabin, as existing compartments are often accessible and lack adequate security when the door is closed.
Innovation Solution
A panel end cap storage unit is designed with a housing that integrates guides for a cylindrical tray insert, which is only accessible when the adjacent vehicle door is open, featuring a downward angle for drainage and a removable tray for easy retrieval of items, ensuring secure and hidden storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage compartments are provided on the instrument panel, then storage functionality is improved, but accessibility and security are compromised when the door is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment's accessibility is made dynamic by linking it to the door position. The compartment is configured to be accessible only when the door is open, automatically changing its accessibility state based on the door's position, thus providing security when closed while maintaining usability when open
2Quantity of substance
If storage space is increased on the instrument panel, then storage capacity is improved, but available space is limited due to premium location
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is nested within the instrument panel end cap structure, utilizing the vertical space and internal volume of the end cap rather than occupying additional horizontal surface area on the instrument panel, thus providing storage capacity without increasing the footprint
3Reliability
If the storage compartment is made secure and nonvisible, then security is improved, but accessibility and ease of retrieval are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The compartment transitions from a secure, closed state when the door is closed to an easily accessible state when the door is open, dynamically adjusting accessibility based on door position. This ensures security during normal driving while allowing quick retrieval when the user intentionally opens the door
Data Source
AI summary
A panel end cap storage unit is disposed on an instrument panel end cap adjacent a vehicle door and is configured such that the unit is not accessible when the vehicle door is closed. In this way, the present invention provides a nonvisible secure storage unit that is only accessible when the adjacent vehicle door is open.