Vehicle Storage Assembly with Retaining Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercial vehicles lack a secure and convenient storage solution for small tools and hardware within the passenger compartment, as existing solutions often require large boxes to be placed on the floor, leading to disorganization and potential loss or damage.
Innovation Solution
A storage assembly comprising a center console with a storage compartment and a box retaining structure that securely holds multiple storage boxes of varying sizes, using alignment projections and resilient retaining strips to keep the boxes organized and accessible.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If small tools and hardware are stored in large boxes on the floor of the cargo area, then storage capacity is sufficient, but accessibility and convenience are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates storage from the cargo area floor (horizontal plane) to the passenger compartment center console (vertical space above seats), transforming the storage dimension and making items easily accessible during vehicle operation without requiring cargo area access
2Ease of operation
If storage boxes are placed freely in the cargo area, then loading and unloading is easy, but organization and security are poor leading to potential loss or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where storage boxes are placed within a retaining structure that fits into the center console storage compartment. The retaining structure with walls and base contains the boxes, providing security and organization while maintaining easy access through the console opening
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure acts as an intermediary between the storage boxes and the center console, providing organizational walls and containment that prevent loss and damage while allowing convenient loading and unloading through the console access opening
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage boxes of varying sizes are stored together, then storage versatility is improved, but organization and stability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into segmented components: the center console storage compartment provides the main cavity, the retaining structure adds internal segmentation with walls and base, and individual storage boxes provide further segmentation. This multi-level segmentation organizes varying sized boxes while maintaining stability
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining structure provides localized containment walls and base that create specific organizational zones within the center console, allowing different sized boxes to be arranged in an organized manner with each box having its designated space, preventing movement and maintaining stability
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger compartment storage assembly includes a storage structure, a first storage box and a box retaining structure. The storage structure is fixed to a floor of a passenger compartment of a vehicle and having a storage compartment defined therein. The first storage box has a predetermined overall shape. The box retaining structure is configured and dimensioned to releasably retain the first storage box. The storage compartment is dimensioned and configured to receive the first storage box and the box retaining structure within the storage compartment.