Heated/cooled console storage unit and method
AssigneeDelphi Technologies, Inc.
InventorsEric C. Hughes, Richard Allen Merrifield
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A storage unit is provided for selectively heating and/or cooling items placed therein. The storage unit has a first storage compartment and a second storage compartment. A thermoelectric module is positioned in between the first and second storage compartments. The thermoelectric module regulates and maintains various desired temperatures within the storage compartments. Particularly, the thermoelectric module is capable of heating the first storage compartment and cooling the second storage compartment.
Claims20
A storage unit for use in an interior compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
- a first storage compartment;
- a second storage compartment;
- and
- a thermoelectric module being configured and dimensioned for securement in between said first and second storage compartments, said thermoelectric module heating said first compartment and cooling said second compartment, said first storage compartment and said second storage compartment each including an interior formed therein, said compartments each further including an opening through which to access said interior and a cover member disposed at said opening selectively providing access to said interior of the respective compartment.
A storage unit for use in an interior compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
- a first storage compartment;
- a second storage compartment;
- and
- a thermoelectric module being configured and dimensioned for securement in between said first and second storage compartments, said thermoelectric module heating said first compartment and cooling said second compartment, said thermoelectric module including a heat distribution element located in said first compartment and a heat absorbing element located in said second compartment, wherein said heat distribution element and said heat absorbing element are connected therebetween by a conductive element.
A storage unit for use in an interior compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
- a first storage compartment;
- a second storage compartment;
- and
- a thermoelectric module being configured and dimensioned for securement in between said first and second storage compartments, said thermoelectric module heating said first compartment and cooling said second compartment, said first storage compartment including a first interior formed therein and said second storage compartment including a second interior formed therein, said first interior being 130 inches3 and said second interior being 260 inches3.
A storage unit for use in an interior compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
- a first storage compartment;
- a second storage compartment;
- and
- a thermoelectric module being configured and dimensioned for securement in between said first and second storage compartments, said thermoelectric module heating said first compartment and cooling said second compartment, said storage unit being integrally located within an occupant compartment of said vehicle.
A storage unit for use in an interior compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
- a first storage compartment;
- a second storage compartment;
- and
- a thermoelectric module being configured and dimensioned for securement in between said first and second storage compartments, said thermoelectric module heating said first compartment and cooling said second compartment, said storage unit further comprising a controller for operating said thermoelectric module and selectively providing a power supply thereto, said controller including a thermostat mechanism for monitoring and maintaining desired temperatures within said first storage compartment and said second storage compartment, said controller further including a timing mechanism for disabling said power supply at a predetermined time after disengagement of an engine of said vehicle.
A storage unit for use in an interior compartment of a vehicle, comprising:
- a first storage compartment;
- a second storage compartment;
- and
- a thermoelectric module being configured and dimensioned for securement in between said first and second storage compartments, said thermoelectric module heating said first compartment and cooling said second compartment, said storage unit further comprising a controller for operating said thermoelectric module and selectively providing a power supply thereto, said controller further including a control mechanism for allowing an operator to operate said thermoelectric module, providing said power supply thereto and adjusting said temperature thereof.
A method of storing items within a motor vehicle comprising:
- a) providing a first storage compartment;
- b) providing a second storage compartment adjacent to said first storage compartment;
- c) providing a thermoelectric module being configured and dimensioned for securement in between said first and second storage compartments;
- d) providing a first temperature to an interior of said first storage compartment using said thermoelectric module;
- e) providing a second temperature to an interior of said second storage compartment using said thermoelectric module;
- and
- f) placing items within said first and second storage compartments.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.