Vehicle Gear Trench With Removable Insert for Long Item Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage solutions lack an efficient and accessible way to store long items without risking damage to the vehicle interior or exposure to dirt, water, and debris.
Innovation Solution
A recessed, durable storage trench running the length of the vehicle interior, accessible through both the front and back, which includes a waterproof bottom surface and sides, and an optional removable insert configured to translate along rails for easy access and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a storage trench is recessed below the vehicle floor to protect the interior from dirt and water, then the protection of vehicle interior is improved, but the accessibility to stored items deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into two parts: a fixed recessed trench for protection and a removable insert for accessibility. The insert can be taken out through the storage compartment access, allowing items to be easily loaded and unloaded without digging into the recessed area, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable insert acts as an intermediary between the user and the recessed storage trench. It provides a convenient interface for accessing stored items while the recessed trench continues to provide protection from dirt and water. The insert can be removed through the storage compartment access, serving as a mediator that resolves the accessibility issue without compromising the protective function of the recessed design.
2Ease of operation
If a removable insert is added to the storage trench for easy access, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system transitions from a static recessed trench to a dynamic system with a removable insert. The insert can be moved along the rails and removed through the storage compartment access, providing flexibility and ease of operation. This dynamic capability is achieved through simple rail guides and mating features that allow straightforward insertion and removal without complex mechanisms.
3Volume of moving object
If the trench extends the full length of the vehicle for storing long items, then the storage capacity is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The long storage trench is segmented into multiple sections corresponding to different vehicle compartments (hood compartment, occupant compartment, rear compartment). Each section can be manufactured and installed independently, reducing the complexity of creating a single continuous trench across the entire vehicle length. The segmented design allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the capability to store long items.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a storage trench having a bottom surface and side surfaces. The bottom surface is recessed relative to a floor of the vehicle, a first side surface extends upwards from the bottom surface to the floor on a first side of the trench, and a second side surface extends upwards from the bottom surface to the floor on a second side of the trench. The trench extends between a first seat and a second seat of the vehicle, unobstructed from an occupant compartment to a storage compartment. The trench allows access from outside of the vehicle, for example, from either a forward or rearward storage compartment. An inset may be included along the bottom surface. The insert can be removed, by sliding for example, for cleaning or to help access stored gear. The trench is longer than either storage compartment, capable of storing relatively long gear or equipment.