Stackable Vehicle Floor Mat Assembly for Seasonal Use and Recycling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle floor mats often require multiple sets to accommodate different seasons, and the inclusion of different materials, such as metal gromets, hinders recycling efforts.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle floor mat assembly comprising a first textile mat member and a second non-textile mat member, both made from different materials, which are removably connected and independently usable, allowing for a stacked configuration and facilitating recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sets of floor mats are used to accommodate different seasons, then functional and aesthetic needs are met, but device complexity and quantity of materials increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floor mat system is divided into two separate mat members (textile and rubber) that can be used independently or stacked together, allowing seasonal adaptability without requiring multiple complete sets of mats
Solution Approach 2:
The textile mat member and rubber mat member are designed to be stackable, combining their functionalities in a single integrated system that provides both aesthetic and protective functions across different seasons
2Adaptability or versatility
If different materials are embedded in floor mats (e.g., metal gromets), then functional features are enhanced, but ease of recycling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floor mat system separates different material functions into distinct mat members (textile and rubber), each made from a single primary material without embedded components, enabling easier recycling while maintaining functional features
Solution Approach 2:
The design removes problematic embedded materials like metal gromets from the mat structure, extracting the recycling barrier while preserving the functional integrity of the mats through alternative design approaches
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle floor mat assembly includes a first mat member formed of a first material and a second mat member formed of a second material that is different than the first material. The first and second mats can be removably connected to one another and/or are inhibited from moving relative to one another. Each of the first mat member and the second mat member can be independently usable relative to the other of the first and second mat members.