Vehicle Storage Lid with Reinforcement Inserts and Track System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage structures with sliding lids lack sufficient strength to withstand heavy loads and often slide open if partially closed, interfering with seat armrests and reducing storage compartment size.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage structure featuring a flexible lid with rigid reinforcement inserts and a track system that includes narrowed portions to compress posts, providing strength and controlling lid movement for consistent effort feel and preventing unassisted opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a sliding lid is used to maximize storage space, then storage compartment size is improved, but the lid lacks sufficient strength to withstand heavy loads
Solution Approach 1:
The lid combines flexible material with rigid reinforcement inserts to create a composite structure. The flexible portion allows the lid to slide and retract for maximizing storage space, while the rigid reinforcement inserts provide the necessary strength to withstand heavy loads leaned against or placed on the lid.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is divided into distinct components: a flexible portion for movement and retraction, and separate rigid reinforcement inserts for strength. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while working together as an integrated lid structure.
2Volume of moving object
If a sliding lid is used to maximize storage space, then storage compartment size is improved, but the lid slides open if partially closed
Solution Approach 1:
The track system incorporates narrowed portions that provide positional feedback and mechanical restraint to the sliding lid. When the lid reaches certain positions, the compression of posts at these narrowed portions creates resistance that prevents unintended movement, ensuring the lid remains securely in place whether fully open, fully closed, or partially positioned.
Solution Approach 2:
The track design preemptively counteracts potential unintended lid movement by incorporating narrowed portions that create compressive resistance on the posts. This preliminary anti-action prevents the lid from sliding open unintentionally before such movement occurs, maintaining reliable positioning throughout the sliding range.
3Strength
If reinforcement inserts are added to the lid, then lid strength is improved, but the complexity of the lid structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reinforcement inserts are integrated into the sliding lid assembly, merging the strengthening function with the existing lid structure. The inserts work in conjunction with the flexible portion and track system, combining multiple functions (strength, sliding, restraint) into a unified structure rather than adding separate independent components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle trim component that has a concealed storage compartment includes a mounting portion and a pair of generally parallel tracks that at least partially define an access opening of the trim component. A flexible lid slidably is disposed between the tracks for movement between a closed position and an open position relative to the access opening. The lid includes a flexible portion and a reinforcement portion coupled to the flexible portion. The flexible portion is configured and arranged to span the access opening when the lid is in the closed position. The reinforcement portion has an array of sliding members and an array of hard, rigid reinforcement inserts. Free ends of each of the reinforcement inserts are located in the tracks. The sliding members are disposed on each of the reinforcement inserts to isolate the reinforcement inserts from contacting the tracks.