Vehicle Wedge Assemblies with Integrated Bottle Opener

Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles used for outdoor activities like camping and tailgating often require users to carry separate bottle openers, which can be inconvenient and forgotten.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a bottle opener feature into vehicle closure member wedge assemblies, specifically within a wedge member made of hard plastic with a metallic insert, providing a unitary, single-piece structure that includes a block-shaped body, mounting flanges, and a mistake-proof opening mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate bottle opener is carried for outdoor activities, then bottle opening function is available, but convenience is reduced due to forgetting or loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of bottle openingVSAvoidavailability of bottle opener

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The bottle opener is integrated into the wedge member, combining two separate functions (closure member alignment and bottle opening) into a single component. This eliminates the need to carry a separate bottle opener while ensuring the bottle opening function is always available at the vehicle location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge member is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides closure member alignment during operation and simultaneously functions as a bottle opener with a metallic insert featuring an opening for removing bottle caps. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the bottle opener inherently available through its integration into the existing wedge member structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If a bottle opener is integrated into the wedge member, then convenience is improved by eliminating separate tools, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of having integrated bottle openerVSAvoidstructural complexity of wedge assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bottle opener is integrated into the wedge member, combining two separate functions (closure member alignment and bottle opening) into a single component. This eliminates the need to carry a separate bottle opener while ensuring the bottle opening function is always available at the vehicle location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bottle opener function is added through a relatively simple metallic insert with an opening, rather than through a complex mechanical mechanism. This approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired multi-functionality, making the integration cost-effective and structurally simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of operation

If a metallic insert is used in the bottle opener body, then opening function is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of bottle openingVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of wedge member

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge member combines different materials (hard plastic for the main body and metallic insert for the bottle opening feature) to achieve the desired functionality. The metallic insert provides the necessary strength and durability for effective bottle opening, while the hard plastic body provides structural support and integration with the closure member system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The bottle opener function is added through a relatively simple metallic insert with an opening, rather than through a complex mechanical mechanism. This approach minimizes the increase in device complexity while achieving the desired multi-functionality, making the integration cost-effective and structurally simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS11623852B2Vehicle wedge assemblies with integrated bottle opener features

Publication Date: 2023.04.11 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

This disclosure details vehicle closure member wedge assemblies that include integrated bottle opener features. An exemplary vehicle closure member wedge assembly may include first and second wedge members that are configured to align a closure member relative to a vehicle body during closure member swing. A bottle opener may be integrated into one of the wedge members, thereby adding functionality to the wedge assembly. The bottle opener is conveniently packaged on the vehicle for use during outdoor social gatherings.