Vehicle Interior Console and Seat Positioning Dynamics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle interiors lack flexibility in component arrangement, particularly when transitioning between manual and automatic control modes, limiting the ability to reconfigure seats and consoles for improved interaction with rear passengers or activities.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle interior with adjustable seats and consoles that can move between primary and secondary positions via a drive system and controller, allowing translational, rotational, or mixed movements to accommodate different seating orientations and console access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the seat is moved from the first position to the second position, then the adaptability of the vehicle interior is improved, but the console blocks the path of movement of the seat

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat position adjustmentVSAvoidseat movement path clearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The console is designed with movable components that can dynamically change position. The armrest can be moved between a use position and a non-use position, and the container can be moved between a nested position and a separating position, allowing the console to clear the seat movement path when needed while maintaining accessibility when not needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The console is divided into separate movable components: a frame, a container that can be separated from the frame, and an armrest. This segmentation allows individual components to be moved independently to clear the seat path while keeping other components in place for continued use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the console is moved to the secondary position, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconsole accessibilityVSAvoidmovable console mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable console components are integrated with the seat structure. The frame of the console is coupled to the seat, and the armrest is integrated into the seat backrest, allowing the console to move with the seat while maintaining its functional components in accessible positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The console components serve multiple functions: the armrest provides both storage and structural support, the container provides both storage and acts as a structural element of the console, and the movable mechanism allows the console to serve both as an accessible control panel and as a clear path for seat movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3507133B1Interior of a vehicle

Publication Date: 2021.10.13 GRAMMER AG

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AI summary

The invention relates to an interior (20) of a vehicle (10) comprising at least one seat (14, 15, 16, 17) and a console (18) which can be placed close to the seat. The invention is characterized in that at least one seat (14, 15) is embodied such that it can be adjusted from a first position in which it faces the direction of travel, into a second position, and that at least one part of the console (18) can be moved such that it can be moved from a primary position in which it is arranged close to the seat, into a secondary position in which it is arranged outside of the movement path of the seat when the seat is moved between the first position and the second position.