Foldable Steering Wheel Tray With Universal Two-Shelf Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle steering wheel trays are bulky, heavy, complicated to install, not universally compatible, and do not accommodate various steering wheel geometries, particularly those with a horizontal circular plane, and lack multiple shelves or versatile uses.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, easy-to-use tray assembly with a stretchable securement pouch and adjustable shelves, featuring a two-hinge design for vertical steering wheels, and a novel strap system for horizontal steering wheels, allowing for multiple uses and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a tray is designed with a rigid structure to remain stable when forces are applied, then the tray becomes bulky and heavy, but portability and ease of handling deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into multiple panels that can fold relative to each other. The back panel, side panels, and shelf are connected through hinges, allowing the structure to be segmented into collapsible sections that maintain stability when deployed but fold compact for portability
Solution Approach 2:
The tray transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic foldable structure. The hinges enable the panels to move between deployed and folded positions, allowing the tray to adapt its form factor while maintaining structural integrity during use
2Adaptability or versatility
If a tray is designed to be universally compatible with different steering wheel sizes, then the tray must accommodate various geometries, but the mounting complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aperture dimensions are made adjustable rather than fixed. The back panel can be reconfigured to accommodate different steering wheel diameters and geometries, allowing the same tray to adapt to various vehicle types without requiring multiple specialized designs
Solution Approach 2:
The tray is designed with a universal mounting system that can attach to different steering wheel types. The adjustable aperture and flexible panel configuration enable a single tray design to serve multiple vehicle applications, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific variants
3Ease of operation
If a tray is designed to be foldable for easy storage, then the tray becomes more portable, but the structural rigidity required for stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray structure is segmented into panels connected by hinges, allowing it to fold into a compact configuration for storage while maintaining rigidity when deployed. The segmented design enables the tray to transition between storage and operational states without compromising structural integrity in either state
Data Source
AI summary
A system for a two-shelf, single-assembly tray that is mountable to a circular steering wheel with an inner diameter portion above a vehicle's floorboard at an angle, wherein the angle between the vehicle's floorboard and a plane formed by a circle of the steering wheel is less than 60°, the system comprising a structure having a first side, a second side, and an outer periphery. The structure of this tray further comprises two folds defining three main facets and is constrained within the steering wheel by a plurality of constraining elements. The first constraining element is a type of simple support by the steering wheel on one side of a tongue. The second constraining element is an adjustable strap wrapped around the steering wheel, where the strap incorporates a strip of rigid backing board with a length that is 40-80% of the length of the strap.