Multi-function connectivity module

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-10906444-B2
Application number	US-201815997791-A
Country	US
Kind code	B2
Filing date	Jun 5, 2018
Priority date	Jun 5, 2018
Publication date	Feb 2, 2021
Grant date	Feb 2, 2021

Abstract

A vehicle includes a connectivity module. The connectivity module includes at least one deployable work surface extendably coupled thereto, a compartment within the connectivity module, a device holder deployably housed within the compartment, and an armrest slidably coupled to a first side of the connectivity module that conceals at least one of a power outlet and a mobile device connector.

First claim

What is claimed is:

1. A vehicle comprising:
a connectivity module;
at least one deployable work surface extendably coupled to the connectivity module;
a compartment within the connectivity module;
a device holder deployably housed within the compartment, wherein the device holder is actuated from a stored position to a use position by linear and rotational motion; and
an armrest slidably coupled to a first side of the connectivity module that conceals at least one of a power outlet and a mobile device connector.

2. The vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a rail assembly, wherein the connectivity module is slidably coupled to the rail assembly.

3. The vehicle of claim 1 , further comprising a rail assembly, wherein the connectivity module is coupled to the rail assembly and is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the rail assembly.

4. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the mobile device connector comprises a USB plug.

5. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the connectivity module is positioned in close proximity to one or more seating assemblies.

6. The vehicle of claim 5 , wherein the one or more seating assemblies are equipped with a vehicle interaction interface.

7. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the at least one deployable work surface is actuated from a stowed position to a deployed position by linear actuation in a vertical direction and rotational actuation toward a user.

8. The vehicle of claim 1 , wherein the rotational motion of the device holder occurs along at least two planes of rotation.

9. A vehicle comprising:
a connectivity module slidably and rotatably coupled to a rail assembly, wherein the connectivity module comprises:
at least one deployable work surface extendably coupled thereto;
a compartment within the connectivity module;
a device holder deployably housed within the compartment; and
an armrest slidably coupled to a first side of the connectivity module that conceals at least one of a power outlet and a mobile device connector.

10. The vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the rotatable coupling of the connectivity module provides rotatable motion of the connectivity module about a vertical axis relative to the rail assembly.

11. The vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the connectivity module is positioned in close proximity to one or more seating assemblies.

12. The vehicle of claim 11 , wherein the one or more seating assemblies are equipped with a vehicle interaction interface.

13. The vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the at least one deployable work surface is actuated from a stowed position to a deployed position by linear actuation in a vertical direction and rotational actuation toward a user.

14. The vehicle of claim 9 , wherein the device holder is actuated from a stored position to a use position by linear and rotational motion.

15. The vehicle of claim 14 , wherein the rotational motion of the device holder occurs along at least two planes of rotation.

16. A connectivity module comprising:
at least one deployable work surface extendably coupled thereto;
a device holder deployably housed within a compartment; and
an armrest slidably coupled to a first side of the connectivity module that conceals at least one of a power outlet and a mobile device connector, wherein the connectivity module is slidably coupled to a rail assembly, and wherein the connectivity module is rotatable about a vertical axis relative to the rail assembly.

17. The connectivity module of claim 16 , wherein the at least one deployable work surface is actuated from a stowed position to a deployed position by linear actuation in a vertical direction and rotational actuation toward a user.

18. The connectivity module of claim 17 , wherein the device holder is actuated from a stored position to a use position by linear and rotational motion, and wherein the rotational motion of the device holder occurs along at least two planes of rotation.

19. The connectivity module of claim 18 , wherein the connectivity module is installed in a vehicle.

Assignees

• Ford Global Tech Llc

Inventors

• Line Johnathan Andrew
• Kondrad Marcos Silva
• Serrano Amaury Diaz
• Preuss Kevin Wayne
• Ferretti Daniel

Classifications

• B60R2011/0082

  collapsible, e.g. for storing after use · CPC title

• B60R16/02

  electric {constitutive elements} · CPC title

• B60N2/79

  Adaptations for additional use of the arm-rests · CPC title

• B60N2/797

  for use as electrical control means, e.g. switches · CPC title

• B60R16/023

  for transmission of signals between vehicle parts or subsystems · CPC title