Slidable Center Console for Driver-Aligned Selector Switch Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

In electric vehicles, the selector switch for operation modes is typically fixed and not adjustable, which does not align with the driver's seat position, making it suboptimal for driving comfort and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A slidable center console with a drive motor and adjustment switch allows the selector switch to be positioned optimally relative to the driver, enabling adjustment of the console's slide position to match the driving position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the selector switch is fixed on the center console, then the structure is simple and stable, but the driving position cannot be optimized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriving position optimizationVSAvoidcenter console structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The center console is designed to be slidable rather than fixed, allowing it to move forward and backward to accommodate different driving positions. The console includes a slide mechanism with a drive motor that enables dynamic adjustment of the console position, resolving the contradiction between operational comfort and structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The center console serves multiple functions: it houses the selector switch, provides storage compartments, and acts as a structural support. By making the entire console slidable, the invention achieves multi-functionality including position adjustment for different drivers, while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the center console is made slidable to adjust selector switch position, then driving position can be optimized, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability to driving positionVSAvoidconsole mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The center console incorporates a slide mechanism with a drive motor that enables dynamic adjustment of the console position. The mechanism includes a motor, transmission components, and guide rails that work together to provide smooth, controlled movement while maintaining structural stability during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drive motor is integrated directly into the center console structure, eliminating the need for external positioning systems. The console adjusts its own position through the self-contained drive mechanism, reducing overall system complexity while achieving adaptability to different driving positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

This solution allows for a more optimal positioning of the selector switch, enhancing driving comfort and efficiency by aligning the console with the driver's seat and steering position, improving overall vehicle operation.

Implementation Method 1

a console actuator that changes a slide position of the center console

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4043286B1Slidable center console provided with selector switch
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 NISSAN MOTOR CO LTD
  • EP4043286B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4043286B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4043286B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is a slideable center console (1) for a vehicle, the center console (1) being provided with a console actuator for moving the center console (1), a selector switch (105) that is provided to the center console (1) and that changes a driving mode of the vehicle, and a console adjustment switch (106) that adjusts a sliding position of the center console (1) using the console actuator.