Slide-Out Dashboard Work Surface for Space-Saving Vehicle Ergonomics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle interiors lack flexibility and ergonomic support for workstations, which are often cramped, inflexible, and do not integrate well with vehicle technology, limiting their functionality and comfort for prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
A retractable work surface integrated within the dashboard, featuring a multi-layer design with a flexible touchscreen and telescoping rails, allowing extension and retraction, and seamlessly integrating with vehicle electrical and data systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a permanent workstation fixture is installed in the vehicle dashboard, then workspace availability is improved, but interior space utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing it to extend when needed for work activities and retract when not in use to maximize interior space. This dynamic configuration resolves the contradiction between providing workspace availability and maintaining interior space utilization.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed workstation design is used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation incorporates telescoping rails that provide stable support when extended while allowing the surface to be repositioned or retracted as needed. This dynamic mechanism maintains structural stability during use while providing the flexibility to adapt to different spatial requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional foldable trays or integrated stands are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ergonomic support deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable work surface with telescoping rails provides adjustable positioning and stable support that enhances ergonomic comfort during prolonged use, while still being manufacturable using conventional automotive assembly techniques. The dynamic extension mechanism offers superior ergonomics compared to simple foldable trays.
4Area of moving object
If the work surface extends beyond the dashboard, then workspace area is improved, but interior space availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The work surface is designed to extend beyond the dashboard when needed to provide adequate workspace area, and retract into the dashboard when not in use to preserve interior space availability. This dynamic extension-retraction capability resolves the spatial contradiction.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable work surface apparatus for a vehicle includes a plurality of guiderails installed within the vehicle's dashboard. Each guiderail features a curved portion with a specified radius extending downward from the dashboard's front surface toward its inner region. The apparatus further comprises a work surface assembly moveably coupled to the guiderails. The work surface assembly includes a structural support layer and a flexible touchscreen layer disposed on the support layer, configured to receive user input. A plurality of telescoping rails, each slidably coupled to the work surface assembly and aligned with the guiderails, facilitate the extension and retraction of the work surface assembly. The telescoping rails enable the work surface assembly to extend beyond the dashboard's front surface to a use position and retract into a stowed position within the dashboard.