Vehicle Caddy Layout for Accessible Between-Seat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handicapped transportation vehicles often lack a center console, leading to items rolling under the seats and being difficult to locate, and there is a need for a storage device that can be placed between the driver's and passenger's seats to prevent items from rolling and provide storage.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle caddy device with a rectangular or square body, featuring a fastened bottom wall for secure placement between the seats, internal and external storage areas, and accessible compartments via hinged lids and doors, preventing items from rolling under the seats and allowing for easy storage of various items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a center console is removed to accommodate handicapped access, then accessibility is improved, but storage capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the storage function from the traditional center console location and creates a separate, removable caddy device that can be positioned independently. This allows the center console space to remain open for handicapped access while the extracted storage components provide the necessary storage capability in an alternative configuration.
2Ease of operation
If the space between seats is left open for accessibility, then handicapped access is improved, but item security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy device acts as an intermediary element positioned in the space between the driver and passenger seats. It provides a physical barrier that prevents items from rolling under the seats while maintaining open accessibility for handicapped individuals. The intermediary structure includes containment walls and fastening mechanisms that secure items without blocking access.
3Quantity of substance
If a storage device is added between seats, then storage capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple independent compartments within the caddy device, allowing different types of items to be stored separately. The caddy itself is a separate, modular component that can be added without modifying the vehicle's fundamental structure, reducing overall system complexity while providing comprehensive storage capability.
4Ease of operation
If items are stored in open space between seats, then accessibility is improved, but item location difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The caddy device creates localized storage areas with specific qualities - contained compartments with defined boundaries and organized sections. This local organization within the open space allows items to be easily located and accessed, maintaining overall accessibility while solving the item location problem through structured local storage zones.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle storage caddy device is provided. The device can be used in a handicap-accessible vehicle in between the front seats, such that the device acts like a center console and can be used for storage. In addition, the device prevents objects from rolling under the front seats due to the positioning of the device between said seats. The device may have a plurality of internal and external storage areas, openings, and fasteners for storing various items.