Actuated Vehicle-Surface Detents for Adaptive Cargo Securing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing cargo in vehicles, such as cargo nets and straps, are aesthetically unappealing, occupy valuable space, require manual installation, and are inadequate for objects of varying dimensions, as they cannot effectively prevent shifting due to vehicle acceleration or uneven road surfaces.
Innovation Solution
An object securing system that uses actuated detents within the vehicle surface, where a computing system identifies the object's dimensions through sensors and selectively extends detents to conform to the object's shape, ensuring secure placement without manual intervention and adapting to different sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If cargo nets and straps are used to secure cargo, then cargo security is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and cabin space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cargo securing function from traditional cargo nets and straps, integrating it directly into the vehicle surface through detent mechanisms. The detents are embedded in the surface and only extend when needed to secure cargo, thereby eliminating the need for separate cargo net structures that occupy cabin space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cargo securing function with the vehicle surface itself by integrating detent mechanisms into the surface structure. This combination allows the surface to perform both its original function and cargo securing, eliminating the need for separate cargo net components.
2Reliability
If cargo nets and straps are used to secure cargo, then cargo security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to manual installation requirement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through sensors that automatically detect when cargo is placed on the surface and trigger the detent extension mechanism. The system secures cargo automatically without requiring manual installation or adjustment by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation of cargo nets with an automated system combining sensors and actuators. The sensors detect cargo presence and the actuators automatically extend the detents, eliminating the need for manual manipulation.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size cargo nets are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to varying cargo dimensions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cargo securing function into multiple independent detent units distributed across the surface. Each detent can be independently activated based on cargo position and dimensions, allowing the system to adapt to various cargo sizes while maintaining simple manufacturing of individual standardized detent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the cargo securing system dynamic by allowing detents to extend and retract based on real-time cargo detection. This dynamic behavior enables the same fixed infrastructure to adapt to varying cargo dimensions without requiring physical reconfiguration.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to securing an object on a surface of a vehicle. In one embodiment, a method includes identifying a subset of detents in a plurality of detents disposed within a vehicle surface of a vehicle based upon sensor data generated by internal sensors of the vehicle, wherein the sensor data is indicative of dimensions of an object located on the vehicle surface. The method further includes transmiting a signal to an actuator of the vehicle, wherein the signal causes the actuator to extend the subset of detents from a non-extended position to an extended position, and wherein the subset of detents conforms to the dimensions of the object when the subset of detents is in the extended position.