Vehicle Stowage Compartment with Force-Actuated Wall and Pivotable Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stowage compartment assemblies in vehicles lack ease of use and flexibility, as they do not efficiently utilize space when not in use and often require manual adjustment, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A stowage compartment assembly with a swivelable and foldable base element and an adjustable wall element that can be actuated by external force, using a drive mechanism and sensor means to automatically adjust positions based on object presence and user gestures, creating a secure and accessible storage space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor-powered wall element is used to move from non-use position to use position, then the stowage compartment can be automated, but the device complexity increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wall element is designed to be movable by external force (manual operation) rather than requiring an active motor drive. The user directly manipulates the wall element to transition between positions, eliminating the need for complex motorized actuation systems while maintaining automation capability through sensor-based control of the base element
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the control of different components: the wall element is manually operated while the base element is automatically controlled by sensors. This segmentation allows simplified mechanical design for the wall element while achieving automation where needed through independent sensor control of the base element's swiveling motion
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed base element is used to form the stowage space base, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability and space efficiency are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base element is designed as a swivelable component that can dynamically change its position between a retracted state (when wall element is in non-use position) and an extended state (when wall element is in use position). This dynamic configuration allows the base element to adapt to different stowage requirements while maintaining a compact form when not in use
Solution Approach 2:
The base element is positioned to be recessed or nested within the support element when not in use. This nesting arrangement allows the base element to be stored compactly within the overall structure, maximizing space efficiency while enabling full extension when stowage functionality is required
3Area of stationary object
If the wall element extends along the contour of the front side in non-use position, then the space efficiency is improved, but the accessibility of the stowage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base element is pre-positioned in a swiveled-out state ready to form the stowage space base before the wall element is activated. When the wall element moves to its use position, the base element is already in place to immediately receive and support stored objects, eliminating delays and improving operational convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The base element acts as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between the wall element's movement and the formation of a functional stowage space. By swiveling out in advance, it prepares the stowage area foundation, making the transition to usable state smoother and more accessible when the wall element is activated
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 assembly provides a compact, space-efficient storage solution that automatically adjusts to form a secure stowage space when needed, preventing object displacement and ensuring user safety by detecting obstacles and adjusting accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
The base element is swivelably mounted on the support element. The base element, which may be swiveled between the storage position and the functional position, is thus swivelably mounted on the support element itself. This includes, in particular, an embodiment variant in which the base element may be swiveled on the support element about a swivel axis defined on the front side of the support element.
Data Source
AI summary
A stowage compartment assembly for a vehicle comprising support and wall elements arranged on a front side of the support element, the wall element adjusts between a non-use position and a functional position. In the non-use position the wall element extends along a contour of the front side of the support element and in the functional position, projects with at least one section from the front side of the support element and is elastically deformed, to form a stowage compartment; and a drive device for adjustment of the wall element. The stowage compartment assembly includes at least one pivotably mounted floor element adjustable between a storage position and a functional position and, when the wall element is in use, is pivoted from its storage position into its functional position and defines a floor of the stowage compartment.