Reconfigurable Vehicle Console With Scissor-Lift Storage Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle storage compartments are inadequate for larger items like purses and bags, leading to cumbersome storage and retrieval on the vehicle floor or seats.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle console with a movable panel that can transition between a flush configuration and a recessed configuration, exposing an external storage compartment using a scissor lift actuation assembly for convenient access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional storage compartments are used, then the vehicle structure remains simple and compact, but larger articles cannot be stored conveniently
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a flush position (maintaining simple console appearance) and a recessed position (creating external storage compartment). This dynamic element enables the console to adapt its configuration based on storage needs without permanently increasing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The console is divided into separate functional components: a fixed housing, a movable panel, and an actuation assembly. This segmentation allows the storage function to be added independently through panel movement rather than redesigning the entire console structure, thereby increasing storage capacity while minimizing overall structural complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If a movable panel is added to create external storage compartment, then storage capacity for larger items is improved, but the console structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A scissor lift actuation assembly serves as an intermediary mechanism between the control system and the movable panel. This intermediary provides a compact, space-efficient way to achieve panel movement and create the external storage compartment without requiring complex mechanical linkages or large actuator components that would increase overall console complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scissor lift mechanism is nested within the console housing, with its components arranged in a compact, space-saving configuration. The actuation assembly integrates into the existing console structure rather than adding external bulk, allowing the external storage compartment to be created without proportionally increasing the overall device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If panel is recessed to define external storage compartment, then accessibility to stored articles is improved, but the console loses its flush appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The panel transitions dynamically between flush and recessed positions, allowing the console surface to adapt its shape based on operational needs. When storage is not required, the panel maintains a flush appearance; when storage is needed, the panel recesses to create accessible external storage compartment, thus temporarily modifying the shape only when necessary.
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
Provides additional storage space for larger items by creating an external storage compartment, enhancing convenience and accessibility within the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
an actuation assembly including a scissor lift that is connected to the panel to facilitate reconfiguration of the vehicle console
Implementation Method 2
a drive mechanism that is configured to expand and contract the scissor lift and thereby facilitate reconfiguration of the vehicle console between the first configuration and the second configuration
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a vehicle console that includes: a housing defining an inner chamber; a panel that is movable in relation to the housing such that the vehicle console is reconfigurable between a first configuration and a second configuration; and an actuation assembly including a scissor lift that is connected to the panel to facilitate reconfiguration of the vehicle console between the first configuration and the second configuration. When the vehicle console is in the first configuration, the panel is generally flush with an outer surface of the housing, and when the vehicle console is in the second configuration, the panel is recessed into the housing so as to define a storage compartment that is configured to receive a personal article.