Vehicle Under-Seat Storage Bin and Trim Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage systems lack an efficient and integrated solution for defining under-seat storage cavities that incorporate both a storage bin and a trim component, which can provide additional storage and protection without compromising the vehicle's interior design.
Innovation Solution
A storage system comprising a storage bin positioned beneath the seating assembly and a trim component that overlies the door sill, together defining an under-seat storage cavity, with distinct side receptacles and features like scuff plates, side walls, and shelves to enhance storage and accessibility, including an aperture for battery access and a pocket feature for dividers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a storage bin is positioned beneath the seating assembly to create under-seat storage, then storage capacity is improved, but the vehicle interior design and aesthetics may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the storage bin and trim component into an integrated assembly where the trim component overlies the door sill and together they define the under-seat storage cavity. This merging allows the storage function to be integrated with the aesthetic trim element, resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and interior design.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim component serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic coverage for the door sill, structurally defines the storage cavity boundary, and creates the side receptacle. This multi-functionality allows a single component to address both design aesthetics and storage requirements simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a trim component overlies the door sill to define the storage cavity, then storage organization is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The trim component is segmented into distinct functional portions: a scuff plate portion for door sill coverage, side walls that extend downward to define the storage cavity boundary, and a front wall portion. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage bin is positioned within the vehicle floor structure, and the trim component overlies the door sill area, with the two components together defining the storage cavity. This nested arrangement allows the trim component to structurally define the cavity boundary while the storage bin provides the actual storage volume, creating an organized storage system.
3Ease of operation
If side receptacles are defined by the trim component, then storage accessibility is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The side receptacle is defined by integrating the scuff plate portion and side wall portions of the trim component into a single structure. This merging allows the side receptacle to be formed as part of the trim component manufacturing process rather than as a separate assembly, improving accessibility while managing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system for a vehicle includes a storage bin. The storage bin is positioned vehicle-downward of the seating assembly of said vehicle. A trim component overlies a door sill of said vehicle. The trim component and the storage bin together define an under-seat storage cavity. The trim component defines a side receptacle distinct from the under-seat storage cavity.