Pivoting Board Unit for Vehicle Instrument Panel Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument panels with pullout leaves hinder access to underlying storage spaces, and there is a need for a compact and easily retrofittable board unit that can serve as both a storage space cover and a work surface without obstructing access.
Innovation Solution
A board unit is designed to pivot between the cover and storage space, doubling its surface area in the deployed position, and can be supported at various points on the shell for different deployment configurations, allowing it to function as a cover or work surface while exposing the storage space when needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a board unit is added to provide a work surface, then usability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The board unit combines the work surface function and storage space cover function into a single integrated structure. By merging these functions into one component rather than having separate elements, the patent adds versatility while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The board unit is divided into two board leaves that can pivot relative to each other, allowing independent control of each leaf. This segmentation enables flexible configuration where the first leaf can be deployed while the second remains retracted, providing partial work surface area when full deployment is not needed.
2Area of moving object
If the board unit surface area is doubled by deploying both leaves, then work surface area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The board unit is segmented into two board leaves connected by a pivot connection, allowing each leaf to be controlled independently. This enables the surface area to be doubled when both leaves are deployed, while also allowing intermediate states where only one leaf is deployed, providing flexibility without requiring the full complex structure to be always present.
Solution Approach 2:
The first board leaf is positioned within the contour of the second board leaf when retracted, creating a nested configuration. This nesting allows the board unit to maintain a compact form when not in full use while still providing the capability to expand to double surface area when needed, effectively hiding the additional complexity within the compact retracted form.
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 solution allows for unobstructed access to the storage space while providing a versatile and expandable work surface, enhancing usability and ease of retrofitting in motor vehicle instrument panels.
Implementation Method 1
a first board leaf (60) deployable from a retracted working position abutting against the second board leaf (70) under the cover (30) to a deployed working position situated in a substantially horizontal plane with the second board leaf (70)
Implementation Method 2
a board unit (50) which at a transverse edge is supported for pivoting relative to the shell (20) between the cover (30) and the storage space
Data Source
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AI summary
An instrument panel (10) for a motor vehicle, with an upper side comprising a raisable cover (30) which, at a forward edge, as observed in the direction of forward movement of the vehicle, is supported for pivoting relative to a shell (20) of the panel, and with a storage space (40) delineated thereunder. According to the invention the instrument panel has a board unit (50) which at a transverse edge is supported for pivoting relative to the shell (20) between the cover and the storage space, and comprises a pair of board leaves (60, 70) pivotably connected to one another at an opposite transverse edge in such a way that a first board leaf (70) can be deployed, from a retracted working position abutting against the second board leaf (60) under the cover, to a deployed working position situated in a substantially horizontal plane with the second board leaf (60). The invention relates also to the board unit (50) itself.