Vehicle Storage Compartments With Extendable Dividing Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
In shared vehicles, stored objects in compartments often become mixed, making it difficult to identify which objects belong to each driver, necessitating configurable storage solutions to separate and organize items effectively.
Innovation Solution
A configurable storage assembly for vehicles featuring extendable panels with attachment and receiving features that can be selectively coupled, allowing panels to transition between retracted and extended positions to create customizable storage compartments, using a retraction mechanism and lock mechanisms for organization and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If storage compartments in shared vehicles are used without configuration options, then the storage space is simple and easy to use, but objects from different drivers become mixed together, making it difficult to identify and organize belongings
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is divided into multiple adjustable sections using detachable panels and dividers. These segments can be independently positioned to create separate storage zones for different drivers, allowing personalized organization while maintaining overall structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The storage configuration is made dynamic through movable panels, adjustable dividers, and reconfigurable compartments. Users can modify the storage layout on-demand to suit different driving scenarios and preferences, transforming a static structure into an adaptable system
2Ease of operation
If extendable panels with attachment features are added to create configurable compartments, then storage organization and item identification are improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features are designed for self-service installation and adjustment by users. Magnetic attachments, snap-fit mechanisms, or simple fasteners allow drivers to configure and reconfigure storage panels without tools or complex procedures, maintaining ease of operation despite increased component count
Solution Approach 2:
The panels and attachment features serve multiple functions: they create physical dividers, provide mounting surfaces for labels or identifiers, offer additional storage surfaces themselves, and can be repositioned to accommodate different storage needs. This multi-functionality justifies the added components by delivering multiple benefits from each element
Data Source
AI summary
A configurable storage assembly for a storage compartment of a vehicle, the storage assembly including a plurality of panels extendable between a retracted position and an extended position, one or more attachment features coupled to the first end of each wall portion, and one or more receiving features coupled to the vehicle, the receiving features are configured to be selectively coupled to the attachment features. Each panel includes a wall portion having a first end and an opposite second end, the second end of the wall portion extending from a surface of the vehicle. In the retracted position, the attachment feature of each panel is spaced apart from the receiving features. In the extended position, the attachment feature of each panel is coupled to one of the receiving features.