Vehicle Storage Base Body with Interchangeable Inserts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle storage solutions lack flexibility in assigning functions to receptacles, making it difficult for users to customize or adapt to different equipment variants during initial vehicle equipping.

Innovation Solution

A device with a base body featuring a recess for exchangeable inserts, equipped with alignment and latching devices for precise fitting, and interfaces for power and data transmission, allowing for customizable and adaptable storage solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixed storage solutions are used in vehicles, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the adaptability and customization options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadaptabilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage device is divided into a base body and interchangeable inserts. The base body contains a recess that can accommodate different inserts, each designed for specific storage purposes. This segmentation allows users to customize the storage function by swapping inserts without changing the entire device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base body is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of inserts through a standardized recess interface. This multi-functionality enables a single base body to serve various storage needs by simply changing the insert, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If interchangeable inserts are implemented for customization, then adaptability and user tailoring are improved, but the assembly precision and fitting quality become more challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecustomizationVSAvoidassembly precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The insert and recess are designed with asymmetric features including specific protrusions and corresponding recesses that provide unique orientation. This asymmetry ensures that each insert can only be installed in one correct orientation, guaranteeing precise assembly and high-quality visual appearance while maintaining customization capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

Alignment devices such as protrusions and recesses are pre-configured on the insert and base body to guide the insertion process. These preliminary alignment features ensure that the insert automatically positions itself correctly during installation, eliminating the need for complex adjustment procedures and ensuring high assembly precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If alignment and locking devices are added for precise insert fitting, then the fit quality and stability are improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefit stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment and locking functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The protrusions serve dual purposes: they guide the insert during alignment and simultaneously engage with corresponding recesses to provide locking. This merging reduces the number of separate components needed, maintaining fit stability while minimizing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment and locking mechanism is designed to be self-actuating. When the insert is pushed into the recess, the protrusions automatically engage with the locking recesses without requiring additional locking actions or complex mechanisms. This self-service approach ensures reliable fitting stability while keeping the structure simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Adaptability or versatility

If power and data interfaces are integrated into the base body, then the functionality and adaptability are enhanced, but the manufacturing complexity and interface reliability requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The base body incorporates universal power and data interfaces that can work with multiple types of inserts. These standardized interfaces (such as USB connections) are built into the base body and can provide power and data transmission to any compatible insert, enhancing functionality while using widely-manufactured standard components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The base body acts as an intermediary between the vehicle's power/data systems and the various inserts. The interfaces in the base body receive power and data signals from the vehicle and transmit them to the inserted devices, enabling enhanced functionality while keeping the manufacturing process manageable through standardized connection protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3241706B1Device and system for holding objects in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2019.12.11 MINDA KTSN PLASTIC SOLUTIONS
  • EP3241706B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3241706B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3241706B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for receiving objects in a vehicle with a base body (10) in which a recess (15) for receiving replaceable inserts (20) is formed, and at least one insert (20), wherein at least one alignment device (11, 12) for alignment and at least one locking device (14) for securing the insert (20) in the recess (15) are arranged on the base body (10).