Seat-Integrated Storage Access Door for In-Cabin Retrieval
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs lack efficient access mechanisms for storage compartments from the occupant compartment, especially when external access is impeded by obstacles, and there is a need for seamless access to stored items without folding seats down.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle with a frame element, a movable door, and a threshold element that forms a storage compartment accessible from the occupant compartment, featuring a sliding or rotating door mechanism that can be controlled by an actuator and control circuitry, allowing access independent of seat position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a storage compartment is separated from the occupant compartment with a fixed boundary, then security and separation are improved, but access convenience deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the boundary between the storage compartment and occupant compartment movable rather than fixed. The movable door assembly allows the boundary to dynamically change position - closed when security is needed, open when access is required - thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining secure separation and enabling convenient access.
2Device complexity
If the storage compartment is accessible only from outside the vehicle, then structural simplicity is improved, but access flexibility deteriorates when external access is impeded
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing the movable door assembly to serve multiple functions: it provides access from the outside when the door is open, and enables access from the inside when the door is positioned in the intermediate configuration. This multi-functional design allows the same structure to adapt to different access scenarios without requiring separate mechanisms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable door mechanism is added to enable internal access, then access flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the merging principle by integrating the movable door assembly directly into the existing frame structure and threshold element. Rather than adding a completely separate door mechanism, the design combines the door with the structural elements already present in the vehicle, thereby reducing overall complexity while still achieving the desired access flexibility.
Data Source
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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.