Vehicle Storage Bin Assembly With Inclined Guiding Track Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In vehicles, upper storage bins are difficult to access and provide poor visibility of contents, leading to inefficient space utilization due to complex and costly mechanisms like gas struts or complex links, which increase the risk of malfunction and weight.
Innovation Solution
A storage bin assembly with a guiding pin and track system, where the pin is biased by a spring for controlled movement, allowing smooth opening and closure, and features a resting surface to prevent inadvertent opening, using an inclined guiding track for improved accessibility and visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If gas struts or complex links are used to enable movable storage bin, then accessibility and visibility of content is improved, but device complexity, weight, cost, and risk of malfunction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex mechanism (gas struts or links) and replaces it with a simple guiding pin and track system. The guiding pin (5) with its inclined surface and the corresponding guiding track (4) provide the necessary movable functionality through pure geometric design, eliminating the need for separate actuating mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding pin acts as an intermediary element between the storage bin and the vehicle structure. Its inclined surface mediates the movement by converting vertical displacement into controlled horizontal guidance, achieving smooth opening and closure without complex mechanisms.
2Ease of operation
If gas struts or complex links are used to enable movable storage bin, then accessibility and visibility of content is improved, but weight of the storage bin assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive components (guiding pin, guiding track, and spring) instead of expensive, heavy gas struts or complex link mechanisms. These simple mechanical elements provide sufficient functionality without adding excessive weight to the storage bin assembly.
3Ease of operation
If gas struts or complex links are used to enable movable storage bin, then accessibility and visibility of content is improved, but cost of the storage bin and vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guiding pin, guiding track, and spring are simple, inexpensive components that can be manufactured using conventional processes. This approach significantly reduces manufacturing costs compared to gas struts or complex link mechanisms, making the storage bin more economical while maintaining functionality.
4Ease of operation
If gas struts or complex links are used to enable movable storage bin, then accessibility and visibility of content is improved, but reliability decreases due to increased risk of malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the complex actuating mechanisms (gas struts or links), the patent eliminates their associated failure modes. The simplified guiding pin and track system has fewer moving parts and potential failure points, thereby improving reliability and reducing malfunction risk.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded guiding pin system is self-actuating and self-regulating. The spring automatically provides the necessary force for opening and closing, and the inclined surface geometry ensures smooth, controlled movement without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms that could malfunction.
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 solution provides a simple, inexpensive, and reliable mechanism for controlled movement of the storage bin, enhancing space utilization and safety by ensuring smooth operation and secure closure, while minimizing the risk of malfunction and weight increase.
Implementation Method 1
The first shaft comprises a first biasing member arranged at an inner end of the guiding pin. The first biasing member is arranged to exert a biasing force on the first guiding pin in the width direction of the storage bin assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A storage bin assembly (1) comprises a storage bin (2) and a retainer (3). The storage bin is retained by the retainer and is movable in relation to the retainer. The storage bin comprises a first guiding pin (5) arranged at, and protruding from a first bin side wall (2a) in a width direction of the storage bin assembly. The retainer comprises a first guiding track (4) arranged in a first retainer side wall (3a). The first guiding pin is slidably arranged in the first guiding track (4). The first guiding pin (5) is arranged to move in the width direction when moving the storage bin between a first position with the first guiding pin located at a first end (4′) of the first guiding track and a second position with the first guiding pin located at a second end (4″) of the first guiding track.