Adjustable Cargo Liner With Tether Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cargo bed liners for SUVs, station wagons, and minivans fail to provide a flexible, adjustable, and water-resistant solution that protects the interior from damage caused by cargo while being easily removable and storable, as they often require permanent attachments and do not accommodate varying internal configurations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A flexible adjustable liner system using water-resistant materials with sealed sections and an adjustable tether-support system of cords attached to the vehicle's ceiling or upper windows, allowing for varying coverage across the cargo area through spring-detent cinches, which is easy to install and remove without permanent attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional cargo bed liners are used, then the interior is protected from damage, but the liner cannot be easily removed and stored, and does not accommodate varying internal configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is divided into multiple separate panels (floor panel, side panels, rear panel) that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the liner to be easily removed and stored while also enabling adaptation to different vehicle configurations by selecting and arranging appropriate panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner system transitions from a fixed, permanent installation to a dynamic, reconfigurable structure. The panels can be assembled and disassembled as needed, allowing the liner to adapt its configuration based on whether cargo or passengers are present, and to accommodate varying internal vehicle configurations.
2Strength
If the liner is made sturdy and flexible to protect the interior, then protection effectiveness increases, but the liner becomes difficult to install and remove without permanent attachment
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the liner into separate panels connected by flexible joints, the system maintains structural integrity and protection effectiveness while enabling easy assembly and disassembly. Each panel can be independently positioned and secured without requiring permanent attachment to the vehicle.
Solution Approach 2:
The liner utilizes flexible material construction that provides adequate protection while allowing the structure to be easily manipulated, installed, and removed. The flexibility of the materials enables the liner to conform to the cargo area shape without requiring rigid, permanently attached components.
3Area of stationary object
If the liner covers the entire cargo storage area, then protection coverage is maximized, but the liner becomes complex and difficult to manufacture and store
Solution Approach 1:
The liner is constructed from multiple standardized panels that can be manufactured independently using simple processes. These panels are then assembled to cover the entire cargo storage area, maintaining comprehensive coverage while reducing manufacturing complexity and facilitating easier storage when disassembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel design incorporates universal features that allow the same basic components to serve multiple functions and be assembled in different configurations. This universality simplifies manufacturing by using standardized parts while still achieving complete coverage of the cargo area when assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
A flexible adjustable liner for station wagons, minivans and SUVs comprising a water-resistant material with sealed bottom, front and side sections to prevent spillage or leakage into the storage area, and a rear section that opens and closes with the tailgate or hatch door, thereby allowing cargo items to be easily placed onto or removed from the liner. The liner is suspended by an adjustable tether-support system. The adjustable support system comprises a system of cords that are attached along the ceiling or upper windows of the vehicle via a series of suction cups and/or the original equipment clothes hooks, conforming the liner to the entire storage area. The cords are adjustable in length and are set by spring-detent cinches to vary the coverage of the liner across the cargo area.