Under-Seat Drawer Step Assembly for Easier Vehicle Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle seating assemblies with under seat storage compartments often lack easy and convenient access, particularly for elevated areas such as the vehicle's roof, as they do not provide a practical means for users to reach storage compartments without additional equipment or steps.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle seating assembly with a pivotable seat that exposes an under seat storage compartment, featuring slidably disposed drawers on both lateral sides, each equipped with a step surface for user access and a lock mechanism to secure the drawers in open positions, allowing users to reach elevated areas without additional support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional under seat storage compartment is provided, then storage space is available, but access to the storage compartment and elevated areas is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The drawer unit combines multiple functions into a single integrated structure: it provides storage compartment access, serves as a step for reaching elevated areas, and includes a locking mechanism for security. This merging of functions resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation without requiring separate devices for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer is designed to perform multiple functions: storing items, providing step access to the storage compartment, and serving as a step for reaching elevated vehicle areas. This multi-functionality directly addresses the contradiction by enhancing operational ease while avoiding the need for additional separate components.
2Ease of operation
If the seat is made pivotable to expose storage compartment, then access to storage is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivotable seat mechanism is merged with the drawer assembly, allowing the drawer to be accessed when the seat is in the stowed position. This integration improves access to the storage compartment while avoiding the need for a completely separate access mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If a step is added for user access, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The step function is merged into the drawer structure itself. The drawer's top surface serves as the step when pulled out, eliminating the need for a separate step component. This resolves the contradiction by improving ease of operation to elevated areas without increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The drawer serves dual purposes: storing items and providing step access to elevated areas. This multi-functionality directly addresses the contradiction by enhancing operational ease while avoiding the need for additional separate step components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle seating assembly comprising a seat back, a seat base that is pivotable between a raised position and a lowered seating position, a storage compartment located under the seat when the seat is in the lowered seating position, and a first drawer slidably disposed within the storage compartment and accessible via a first lateral side of the vehicle seating assembly, where the first drawer includes a first step surface on a top side thereof configured to support a user when the first drawer is in an open position.