Vehicle Trim Docking Station with Integrated Controls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle trim elements with docking stations for nomad electronic devices often compromise aesthetics and functionality by occupying visible space unnecessarily when the device is not present, making them appear empty and less functional.
Innovation Solution
Integration of control elements and display devices into the maintaining elements of the docking station, allowing them to remain functional and aesthetically pleasing regardless of the presence of a nomad electronic device, with adjustable maintaining elements to accommodate different devices and orientations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If the docking station is arranged in a visible zone to keep the device visible, then the screen visibility is improved, but the general appearance deteriorates when no device is present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the docking station structure with the trim element by integrating control elements and display devices into the maintaining elements. This combination allows the docking station to be functional when a device is present while maintaining aesthetic appearance when empty, as the integrated controls and displays provide visual interest and functionality regardless of device presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The maintaining elements serve dual purposes: they function as structural components to hold the electronic device and simultaneously serve as carriers for control elements and display devices. This multi-functionality ensures that the visible zone remains useful and aesthetically pleasing whether or not a device is docked.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the docking station occupies space in the trim element, then device docking functionality is improved, but other functions become less accessible and appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trim element into distinct functional zones: the docking station area with maintaining elements, and surrounding areas that retain their original functions. The control elements and display devices are integrated into the maintaining elements themselves, allowing them to be positioned optimally for both docking functionality and accessibility for other vehicle functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical and lateral dimensions of the maintaining elements to integrate control and display functions. By placing controls and displays on the surfaces of the maintaining elements rather than requiring separate planar space, the design accommodates docking functionality without compromising accessibility to other trim element functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A docking station having a base, a first maintaining element and a second maintaining element arranged to bear on two opposite edges of a contour of a nomad electronic device received between the first maintaining element and the second maintaining element. The first maintaining element is movable relative to the base to adjust the separation between the first maintaining element and the second maintaining element based on the distance separating the two opposite edges of the nomad electronic device. A visible outer surface of the first maintaining element includes at least one control element and/or at least one device displaying a function of the vehicle.