Vehicle Storage Module with Raised Deck and Hand Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage solutions do not efficiently allow for the secure and easy handling of food and beverage items, particularly pizza boxes, without disturbing their contents during placement and removal.
Innovation Solution
A storage module with a base securable to the vehicle and a storage tray featuring a raised deck and an open area under it, enabling users to support the bottom of containers with their hand for easy positioning and removal without disturbing the contents, along with receptacles for additional items like bottles and other delivery necessities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional flat storage tray is used, then the structure is simple, but the user cannot easily position food containers without disturbing their contents
Solution Approach 1:
The storage tray is segmented into two distinct levels: a raised deck for supporting food containers and a lower open area for hand insertion. This segmentation allows the user to access the container bottom without disturbing the top contents, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a vertical dimension by creating a raised deck structure with open space underneath. This multi-level configuration enables hand access from below while maintaining container stability on top, transforming a simple flat surface into a functional three-dimensional structure.
2Ease of operation
If the storage tray has a solid bottom for structural integrity, then the tray is strong, but the user cannot insert hand to support containers
Solution Approach 1:
The tray structure is divided into a raised deck portion and a base portion with open space between them. This segmentation provides both the structural integrity of a solid tray and the functional benefit of open space for hand insertion, allowing users to support containers from below.
Solution Approach 2:
The design creates a nested configuration where the raised deck is positioned above the open area, which itself is above the base. This nested arrangement allows the hand to be inserted through the open area to support the container bottom, while the raised deck and base maintain overall structural strength.
3Productivity
If the storage module is designed for single item placement, then the handling is simple, but the storage efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The storage module is designed with universal functionality to accommodate multiple types of food containers and beverage items simultaneously. The raised deck can hold various container types while the open area below facilitates easy access to any item, enabling efficient multi-item storage without increasing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges multiple storage functions into a single integrated module: the raised deck stores food containers, the open area enables hand access, and the base provides structural support. This combination allows simultaneous storage of multiple items while maintaining simple handling operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage module for use with a vehicle may include a base securable to the vehicle, and a storage tray attachable to the base. The tray includes a raised deck for receiving a food container. In addition, the tray defines an open area under the raised deck for receiving a user's hand when the food container is received on the deck.