Vehicle Interior Attachment System With Sliding Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle attachment systems have fixed locations determined by manufacturers, which may not be ideal for users, limiting customization and convenience for accessing accessories while driving.
Innovation Solution
An attachment system with interchangeable devices that can be removably mounted on upright interior surfaces, featuring parallel tracks and projections with a tolerance clearance, allowing easy sliding and retention using friction and spring-loaded indexing devices, enabling customizable placement and use of various accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed locations for article holders are determined by vehicle manufacturers, then installation simplicity is improved, but user customization and convenience are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is divided into separate components: a fixed track structure integrated into the vehicle and removable attachment devices that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows the track to remain simple for manufacturing while enabling users to customize the position and type of attachment devices according to their needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed locations to dynamic reconfigurable positions. The track provides a continuous range of positions along its length, allowing attachment devices to be moved and repositioned flexibly. This dynamic capability enables users to adapt the system to changing needs while maintaining a simple fixed track infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If attachment devices are made removable and interchangeable, then user customization is improved, but installation complexity and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is extracted as a separate removable component from the vehicle structure, allowing it to be independently installed, removed, and replaced. The track remains integrated into the vehicle while the attachment device can be freely positioned and exchanged, simplifying the overall installation process despite the added flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The track serves as an intermediary element between the fixed vehicle structure and the removable attachment device. This intermediate track system provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection and disconnection processes, enabling easy interchangeability without requiring complex installation procedures.
3Ease of operation
If tolerance clearance is provided for easy sliding, then ease of operation is improved, but positioning precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses form-fitting cross-sections of tracks and projections that provide natural guidance and centering. The geometric shape parameters are designed to maintain precise alignment while allowing smooth sliding motion, resolving the conflict between ease of operation and positioning precision through optimized dimensional parameters.
4Reliability
If multiple parallel tracks are used for guidance, then stability and collision safety are improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple parallel tracks are merged into a single integrated track structure that provides the benefits of multiple guidance lines without the complexity of separate independent track systems. The combined structure maintains collision safety through distributed guidance while simplifying the overall device architecture.
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 easy access to a range of accessories for drivers and passengers with customizable placement options, reducing the risk of wedging and enhancing collision safety through multiple track guidance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring loaded indexing device such as a resilient portion on a portion of one of the projections is arranged in contact with a facing contact surface in the corresponding groove
Implementation Method 2
When the attachment device is placed in a desired position, the attachment device can be retained by friction
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an attachment system in a vehicle, which attachment system comprises interchangeable attachment devices (12, 13) arranged to be removably mounted adjacent an upright interior surface (22) facing the passenger compartment, and each interchangeable attachment device comprises a front portion having a fixture for supporting an accessory (A1, A2) associated with the attachment device. The attachment system comprises at least two spaced apart parallel tracks (26, 27, 28) each arranged in at least a first and a second surface (31, 32, 33) angled away from the upright interior surface (22) and a corresponding number of projections (41, 42, 43) arranged on each attachment device, a first and a second track (26, 27) comprises open grooves extending into said first and a second surface (31, 32), respectively, from opposite directions. Said attachment device comprises at least a first projection (41) for cooperating with said first track (26) and at least a second projection (42) for cooperating with said second track (27), wherein an attachment device (12, 13) and its associated accessory (A1, A2) is arranged to be slidable in a horizontal direction along said upright interior surface (22).