Vehicle Storage Bin Pin Matrix Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage bins in vehicles lack adaptability to various object sizes and shapes, failing to provide a flexible fixation solution for diverse items like smartphones, luggage, and books.
Innovation Solution
A storage bin with a pin matrix system featuring magnetic pins and a ferrous guiding plate, allowing pins to be bi-stable and lock in upper or lower positions, forming a customizable support surface with indents or boxes for secure object fixation, and optionally incorporating an inductive charging element for mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If storage bins are pre-compartmented by design, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different objects deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pin matrix system transforms the static, pre-compartmented storage bin into a dynamic structure where pins can be individually moved between extended and retracted positions. This allows the storage surface to adapt its contour and configuration based on the objects being stored, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage bin is segmented into multiple independent pins that can be controlled individually. Each pin acts as an independent unit that can be positioned separately, allowing the creation of customized storage compartments for different object sizes and shapes while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Ease of manufacture
If a fixed pin position is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but object fixation precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The pins are designed with movable capability between extended and retracted positions through guide holes and spring mechanisms. This dynamic positioning system allows precise adaptation to different object contours while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes for each individual pin component.
3Reliability
If multiple pins are used to define a pin matrix, then object fixation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each pin in the matrix serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables adaptable contour formation, and contributes to object fixation. The standardized pin design with guide sections, magnetic end portions, and spring mechanisms allows these multiple functions to be achieved through a relatively simple repeating unit, reducing overall system complexity despite the high number of pins.
Solution Approach 2:
The guiding plate integrates multiple guide holes into a single component, and the reset plate combines multiple reset functions into one element. This merging of functions into consolidated components reduces the overall number of separate parts needed, managing device complexity while maintaining high fixation capability through the pin matrix.
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 adaptable pin matrix system securely holds objects of different sizes and shapes, preventing rotation and providing a gap-free surface, while the inductive charging feature allows for convenient charging of devices during storage.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the pins is provided with a magnetic end portion at the lower end of the guide section. The guiding plate is made of or comprises a ferrous material. A non-ferrous reset plate is movably arranged between the guiding plate and the base plate below the magnetic end portions of the pins.
Implementation Method 2
U.S. Pat. No. 9,358,930 B1 discloses a storage bin for a vehicle interior with a guiding plate and a plurality of spring-biased pins defining a pin matrix wherein each pin is provided with a guide section around which a coil spring is arranged.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage bin for a vehicle interior having an adaptable object fixation device includes a guiding plate and a plurality of pins defining a pin matrix, wherein each pin is provided with a guide section and wherein the guiding plate is provided with a plurality of through holes, each of which defines a guide hole for receiving the guide section of an associated pin. The pins are individually movably mounted to the guiding plate. Each of the pins is provided with a magnetic end portion at the lower end of the guide section. The guiding plate is made of or includes a ferrous material. The adaptable object fixation device further includes a base plate made of or including a ferrous material. A non-ferrous reset plate is movably arranged between the guiding plate and the base plate below the magnetic end portions of the pins.