Modular Vehicle Console Cooling With Removable Cooler Insert
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle consoles lack enhanced features for storage, cooling, and convenience, such as modular design, insulation, and integrated cooling systems.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle console with a modular design featuring a base, housing, and a lid with a zipper, which can house a cooler insert container, insulated armrest, and air flow ducts for HVAC integration, providing enhanced storage and cooling capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional storage compartment design is used, then the structure is simple, but it lacks enhanced features for cooling and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The console is divided into modular components: a base, a housing with storage compartment, and a separate cooler insert container. This segmentation allows the cooling feature to be added as an optional module rather than requiring a complete redesign of the entire console structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, contains the storage compartment, and integrates with the cooler insert container to provide cooling. The lid can function both as a cover and as an insulated armrest, maximizing the utility of each component.
2Ease of operation
If a zipper mechanism is added to the lid, then access control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The zipper mechanism is integrated into the lid structure, combining the closure function with the armrest function. The zipper teeth are molded into the lid and housing, creating a seamless integration that adds access control without requiring separate components.
3Ease of operation
If an insulated armrest is implemented, then user comfort is improved, but the weight of the console increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is constructed using composite materials that provide insulation properties while maintaining a reasonable weight. The insulation layer is integrated into the lid structure, combining thermal protection with structural functionality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a cooler insert container is added to the storage compartment, then cooling functionality is improved, but the storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cooler insert container is designed to be removable and replaceable, allowing users to dynamically adjust the configuration based on their needs. When cooling is not required, the insert can be removed to maximize storage space, and when cooling is needed, it can be inserted to provide the cooling function.
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 console offers improved storage, cooling, and convenience through modular functionality, including a zipper-operated lid, insulated armrest, and integrated cooling, enhancing user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a cooler insert container configured to be disposed into the storage compartment through the access opening of the housing, the insert container configured for holding one or more items to be cooled
Implementation Method 2
the insert container configured for holding one or more items to be cooled
Implementation Method 3
The lid is an insulated armrest
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle console including a base, a housing supported on the base and comprising a storage compartment, the storage compartment having side walls in an access opening, and a lid operatively coupled to the access opening of the housing and comprising a zipper for connecting the lid to the top end of the module, wherein the zipper may be unzipped to expose the access opening and may be zipped to close the lid on the access opening.