Vehicular Storage Box Lid Dynamics for Device Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing combined storage and docking units for motor vehicles are limited in accommodating a wide range of portable electronic devices due to size and shape constraints, and are complex and costly to implement.
Innovation Solution
A vehicular storage box with a hingedly connected lid, a spring-biased locking mechanism, and a rack and pin mechanism that allows for adjustable positioning and secure holding of devices in either landscape or portrait orientation, using a user-operable locking mechanism and anti-slip pads for secure clamping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a holder is provided to hold a portable electronic device in a display position, then the device can be viewed by a user, but the unit is limited with respect to the size and shape of devices that can be supported
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is made movable and adjustable to different positions, allowing the docking unit to adapt to various device sizes and shapes. The lid can be positioned at multiple angles and locked in place, transforming a static holder into a dynamic, adaptable support structure that accommodates different portable electronic devices while maintaining proper display orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The docking unit is designed with a universal lid mechanism that can hold and display multiple types of portable electronic devices (smartphones, tablets, media players) of varying sizes and shapes. The spring-biased locking mechanism and adjustable positioning system provide multi-functional capability, allowing the same unit to serve different device types without requiring additional components
2Ease of operation
If a holder and positioning mechanism are provided to support portable electronic devices, then devices can be held in display position, but complexity and cost are added to the unit
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-biased locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage and lock the lid in position without requiring additional motors, sensors, or complex control systems. The spring provides automatic return force and the flange engagement creates self-locking positions, allowing the mechanism to service itself through simple mechanical interaction rather than requiring external power or complex actuation systems
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential positioning function from complex motorized systems and implements it through a simple mechanical spring-biased locking mechanism. By removing unnecessary complexity (motors, electronic controls, multiple actuators) and retaining only the core functional elements (spring force, flange engagement, lid positioning), the solution achieves device positioning with minimal complexity and cost
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the accommodation of various-sized portable electronic devices without additional components, providing flexible display and storage options while maintaining simplicity and reducing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
A spring is configured to bias the lid towards an open position
Implementation Method 2
anti-slip pads for secure clamping
Data Source
AI summary
A combined storage and docking unit for attachment to the instrument panel of a motor vehicle is disclosed in which a portable electronic device such as an MP3 player or GPS navigation device can be held in a display position by clamping it between lid and storage box parts of the combined storage and docking unit. The storage box includes a trough shaped portion in which the portable electronic device can be stowed if it is not required to be used. The storage box also includes a lid hingedly connected thereto. A lid opening mechanism includes an arm fixed to a shaft. A drive cable is connected to the arm and to a spring on opposing ends. A pulley is configured to guide the drive cable from the arm to the spring, wherein the shaft is rotatably supported by a shaft bracket.