Seat-Integrated Storage Access Door for Obstructed Vehicle Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs lack efficient access mechanisms for occupants to retrieve items from storage compartments without having to fold down rear seats or navigate through external obstructions, limiting convenience and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring a movable door system integrated into the frame element, allowing access to a storage compartment from the occupant compartment, with a rail assembly guiding the sliding door and an actuator controlled by circuitry for independent operation, enabling access without requiring seat adjustments or external access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional fixed storage compartment design is used, then the storage compartment is easily accessible from outside the vehicle, but occupants cannot access the storage compartment without folding down rear seats or navigating through external obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is divided into two separate access paths: one from outside the vehicle through the movable door, and another from inside the occupant compartment through the frame element opening. This segmentation allows occupants to access storage without affecting seat positions or navigating external obstructions.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame element with its integrated opening serves as an intermediary structure between the occupant compartment and the storage compartment. This intermediary provides a direct access pathway that eliminates the need for seat adjustments or external navigation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the storage compartment is accessible only from outside the vehicle, then the structure remains simple, but accessibility is limited when external obstructions are present
Solution Approach 1:
The frame element serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vehicle, creates the opening for internal access to the storage compartment, and integrates with the movable door system. This multi-functionality enables accessibility from both inside and outside the vehicle without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable door integrated into the frame element provides dynamic access control to the storage compartment. The door can be opened or closed as needed, allowing the system to adapt to different access requirements while maintaining a relatively simple structural framework.
3Ease of operation
If a movable door system is integrated into the frame element, then occupants can access the storage compartment from within the vehicle, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable door is merged with the frame element to form an integrated assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate door structures and simplifies the overall design while still providing the necessary access functionality from the occupant compartment to the storage compartment.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes an occupant compartment, a storage compartment, one or more frame elements, a seat assembly, and a door. The frame element forms at least a part of the storage compartment, which is arranged adjacent to an occupant compartment. The frame element includes an opening between the storage compartment and the occupant compartment. The seat assembly is arranged in the occupant compartment, and optionally includes a console. A threshold element is optionally included to provide an interface to the occupant compartment. The door is configured to block and unblock the opening such that an occupant can access the storage compartment from the occupant compartment. The door is configured to rotate, slide, fold, or otherwise be reconfigured, under manual or automatic operation, to unblock the opening. The door is not part of the seat assembly, and interfaces to the frame element or a threshold element affixed to the frame.