Adjustable Height Container Lid for Tailgate Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional containers integrated into motor vehicle tailgates are not suitable for accommodating bulky objects due to their limited height, restricting storage capacity in small vehicles.

Innovation Solution

A container with a hinge arrangement that allows the lid to be adjusted to different heights, utilizing a three-joint mechanism for adjustable height settings, enabling the storage of objects with varying dimensions and minimizing space when not in use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the container is fully integrated into the tailgate with fixed height, then the container structure is simple and stable, but the container cannot accommodate bulky objects with varying heights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different object heightsVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The container lid is connected to the container base via a hinge arrangement that allows the lid to be positioned at multiple different distances from the base, transforming the fixed-height container into a dynamic structure with adjustable height. This enables the container to adapt to objects of varying heights while maintaining structural integrity through the hinge mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The height parameter of the container is made variable by allowing the lid to be positioned at different distances from the base through the hinge arrangement. This parameter change enables the container to accommodate both small items and bulky objects by adjusting the effective height of the container closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Volume of moving object

If the container height is increased to accommodate bulky objects, then the storage capacity is improved, but the container cannot be fully integrated into the low tailgate structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer storage volumeVSAvoidtailgate overall height
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge arrangement enables the lid to dynamically adjust its position relative to the base, allowing the container to achieve greater effective height for storing bulky objects while maintaining integration with the low tailgate structure. The lid can be positioned at different distances from the base to match the height requirements of stored items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the container lid is made fixed at maximum height, then bulky objects can be stored, but the container occupies excessive space when storing small items

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibility for different item sizesVSAvoidcontainer occupied space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge arrangement allows the lid to be dynamically positioned at different distances from the base, enabling the container to optimize its occupied space based on the size of stored items. For small items, the lid can be positioned closer to the base, minimizing the container's height and occupied space, while still providing access to the stored items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2978636B1Container in particular in the tailgate of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 MERCEDES BENZ GROUP AG
  • EP2978636B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a container (1), in particular for installing in a liftgate of a motor vehicle, comprising a lower container part (2) that can be attached to the liftgate and a container cover (4), which is or can be connected to the lower container part (2), for opening or closing the lower container part (2). The container cover (4) is connected to the lower container part by means of a joint assembly (3), by means of which the container cover (4) can be arranged at at least two different distances (h1, h2) to the lower container part (2) so that a height of the container (1) can be set.