Segmented Cover Panel for Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle interior storage compartments with multiple sealable doors increase cost and complexity, and limit storage options due to rotating doors that prevent items from being placed on top of the compartments.
Innovation Solution
A segmented cover panel with multiple segments coupled by hinges that transitions between closed and open positions, allowing access to storage compartments while reducing complexity and enabling storage above and within the compartments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each storage compartment includes a separate door with hinge assembly, latch assembly, and biasing mechanism, then the storage compartment can be securely sealed, but the cost and complexity increase proportionally to the number of storage compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple door functions into a single segmented cover panel that can selectively cover multiple storage compartments. The cover panel includes multiple segments that can be independently positioned to cover different compartments, eliminating the need for separate door assemblies for each compartment while maintaining secure sealing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panel is designed as a multi-functional component that can serve multiple storage compartments simultaneously. Each segment of the cover panel can be independently positioned to cover different compartments, allowing a single cover panel structure to perform the function of multiple separate doors.
2Reliability
If each storage compartment includes a rotating door, then the compartment can be securely closed, but items cannot be placed on top of the storage compartment, limiting storage options
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is divided into multiple segments that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows portions of the cover panel to be opened while other portions remain closed, enabling items to be placed on top of closed compartments while maintaining access to open compartments.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panel segments are designed to be dynamically positionable between closed and open states. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different storage needs, providing secure closing when needed while also allowing open access for placing items on top of compartments.
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 segmented cover panel reduces the cost and complexity of storage compartments, provides increased storage options by allowing items to be stored above and within the compartments, and facilitates easier access to contents.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge assembly including a hinge body and a hinge axis extending along an axis of the hinge body, the hinge axis perpendicular to the plane of the cover panel when the cover panel is in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle interior component includes a storage compartment having an opening configured to facilitate access to an interior of the storage compartment. The vehicle interior component also includes a cover panel having multiple segments coupled to one another by corresponding hinges. The cover panel is configured to transition between a closed position that substantially blocks the opening in the storage compartment and an open position that facilitates access to the interior of the storage compartment via rotation of at least one segment about at least one hinge.