Adjustable Cargo Management System With Nesting Support Posts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo management systems for vehicles lack flexibility and efficiency in organizing and securing cargo, as they often rely on fixed configurations that do not adapt well to varying cargo sizes and types, limiting the utilization of space and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A cargo management system featuring adjustable support structures with guide rails and translating members that allow for customizable positioning of support posts, enabling the division of cargo areas into multiple sections to accommodate different cargo sizes and types, with the ability to retract for storage and extend for use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed configuration cargo management systems are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and adaptability for different cargo sizes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support posts are designed to be adjustable in position along the guide surfaces, transforming a static fixed configuration system into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the cargo management system to adapt to different cargo sizes and configurations while maintaining structural integrity through the guide surface constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo management system is divided into modular components including multiple support posts that can be independently positioned along guide surfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be adjusted separately to accommodate various cargo configurations without requiring complete system reconfiguration.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable support structures are implemented, then cargo organization flexibility is improved, but system weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The translating members enable the support posts to move dynamically between retracted and extended positions, allowing the system to provide maximum cargo organization flexibility when needed while minimizing weight impact during vehicle operation when the adjustable features are not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The translating members are designed to nest within the support post housings when not in use, and the support posts can be retracted into the cargo area when not needed. This nesting approach minimizes the space and weight footprint of the adjustable components while maintaining full adjustability functionality when required.
3Loss of energy
If support posts are retracted when not in use, then fuel efficiency is improved, but accessibility and ease of setup are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The translating members are designed with self-translating capabilities that allow support posts to be easily extended and retracted without requiring complex manual operations or additional actuators. This self-service mechanism simplifies the operation while enabling the system to be in a fuel-efficient retracted state during normal vehicle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide surfaces are pre-configured with engagement features that automatically guide and secure the support posts in their proper positions as they are extended or retracted. This preliminary preparation of the guide paths ensures that the support posts can be quickly and easily positioned without requiring precise manual alignment or complex setup procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo management system for a cargo area at least partially defined between opposing sidewalls and a load floor of a vehicle includes at least one guide surface disposed proximate the load floor and a support structure adjustably connected to the at least one guide surface. The support structure includes a first post and a second post adjustable relative to the first post. A first translating member includes an upper portion pivotally connected to an upper end of the first post and a lower portion movably connected to a lower end of the second post. A second translating member includes an upper portion pivotally connected to an upper end of the second post and a lower portion movably connected to a lower end of the first post. The first and second translating members are adjustable between a first position and at least one second position.