Under-Seat Storage Drawer With Reader-Gated Powered Accessory Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle storage solutions do not effectively utilize the under-seat area for additional storage and utility, lacking integrated power solutions for accessory modules.

Innovation Solution

An electrified under-seat storage drawer with movable platforms and accessory slots, including a neutral power port, hot power port, and reader port, which selectively enables electrical communication with accessory modules, and a guide rail for power distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If electrical power is continuously provided to accessory slots, then accessory modules can always function, but safety risks increase due to potential exposure to hot power ports without modules installed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory module functionalityVSAvoidelectrical shock risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The reader port performs preliminary detection to identify whether an accessory module is present before enabling power delivery. The system proactively checks for module presence through electrical connection detection at the reader port, and only after confirming presence does it activate the hot power port, thereby preventing premature power exposure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The reader port serves as an intermediary component between the power source and the accessory slot. It acts as a gatekeeper that mediates power delivery by detecting module presence and controlling the activation state of the hot power port, preventing direct exposure to electrical power when modules are absent

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the platform is made stationary to simplify structure, then manufacturing is easier, but the ability to provide accessible storage and power delivery is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform assemblyVSAvoidstorage accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The platform is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing it to move between retracted and extended positions along the guide rail. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt between different storage configurations and power delivery scenarios, providing versatility while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple accessory slots are provided to increase functionality, then system versatility improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessory module optionsVSAvoidelectrical connection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each accessory slot is designed with identical electrical connection components (reader port, neutral power port, hot power port), making each slot universally compatible with any accessory module type. This standardized multi-functional design allows the same electrical architecture to support multiple different accessories simultaneously, increasing versatility without proportionally increasing complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20260001492A1Electrified under-seat storage drawer

Publication Date: 2026.01.01 SCOUT MOTORS INC

AI summary

An electrified under-seat storage drawer may include a platform movable between an extended position and a retracted position. An electrified under-seat storage drawer may include an accessory slot coupled to the platform and including a neutral power port, a hot power port, and a reader port selectively inhibiting electrical power from communicating with the hot power port. An electrified under-seat storage drawer may include an accessory module selectively couplable with and receiving electrical power from the accessory slot when the reader port detects the presence of the accessory module.