Automated Vehicle Storage Bin Cover Deployment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle passengers often face challenges with storing luggage and personal items in vehicles where there is no available storage space, leading to unrestrained items during travel, and conventional storage solutions require manual operation which can be inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage system featuring a storage bin with a deployable cover mechanism, actuation assembly, and tether system that deploys over the storage bin opening in response to a signal from the restraint control system, utilizing a tensioning apparatus and controller to automate the deployment of the cover for passive restraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual operation of storage containers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is pre-positioned and stored within the storage bin structure, ready for deployment. The actuation assembly is pre-configured with the tether and cover mechanism, so that upon activation, the cover can be rapidly deployed without requiring manual assembly or preparation, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining automated functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the cover automatically deploys and restrains items without human intervention. The actuation assembly automatically tensions the tether to deploy the cover when activated, eliminating the need for manual operation while the system serves itself through automated mechanical action.
2Extent of automation
If automated deployment mechanism is added, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation assembly serves multiple functions: it stores the cover, deploys the cover using the tether, and can retract the cover back into the storage bin. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each operation, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while achieving high extent of automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is nested within the storage bin structure when not in use, and the tether is stored within the actuation assembly. This nesting arrangement allows the automated deployment mechanism to be compact and integrated within the existing storage bin geometry, minimizing the increase in overall device complexity while enabling automated operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If storage space is not available, then adaptability is improved for vehicle interior, but reliability of item restraint deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The cover transitions from a static stored position to a dynamic deployed position that actively restrains items. The tether provides dynamic tensioning to secure the cover over items during travel, and the system can dynamically respond to motion or acceleration forces, thereby maintaining reliability of item restraint while adapting to limited vehicle interior space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is implemented as a flexible membrane or thin film structure that can conform to various item shapes and sizes within the storage bin. This flexibility allows the cover to effectively restrain diverse items even in compact storage spaces, maintaining reliability of restraint while adapting to the limited vehicle interior environment.
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
The system provides a convenient and automated means to restrain items within the storage bin, preventing them from moving during travel and eliminating the need for manual operation of storage containers, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
the cover includes a tether coupled to a wheel and axle system
Implementation Method 2
a tether is operable between undeployed and deployed positions and the actuation assembly is configured to deploy the tether
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle including a storage bin and a restraint control system. An actuation assembly is configured to activate in response to a signal from the restraint control system. A tether is operable between undeployed and deployed positions and the actuation assembly is configured to deploy the tether over an opening defined by the storage bin.