Adjustable Support Element for Vehicle Loading Floor Height

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for adjusting the height of a loading floor in vehicles require complex assembly and interference from support elements when adjusting between storage positions, hindering smooth height adjustment.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable support element mounted on a vehicle-side stationary bearing point, with a spring element for stable support in the upper position and an actuating contour to automatically adjust into a non-use position during height adjustment, allowing the loading floor to be easily shifted between upper and lower storage positions without blocking the adjustment path.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If support elements are installed in the cargo area to support the loading floor in the upper storage position, then the loading floor can be stably supported in the upper position, but the support elements obstruct the adjustment path when moving to the lower storage position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of loading floor supportVSAvoidsmoothness of height adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is designed to be movable between a working position (protruding into the cargo area to support the loading floor) and a non-working position (recessed into the side wall). This dynamic repositioning allows the support element to provide stable support when needed and clear the adjustment path when the loading floor moves between storage positions, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If support elements are installed in the cargo area to support the loading floor in the upper storage position, then the loading floor can be stably supported, but the assembly process becomes technically complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of loading floor supportVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support element is integrated into the side wall structure of the cargo area, with the mounting point provided directly in the side wall. This merging of the support element with the existing structural components eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining stable support functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the support element protrudes into the cargo area to provide support, then stable support is achieved, but the support element blocks the movement of the loading floor during height adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of loading floor supportVSAvoidinterference with adjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support element transitions from a static protruding structure to a dynamic component that can reposition itself. During height adjustment, the support element moves from the protruding working position to the recessed non-working position, eliminating interference with the loading floor's movement while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables simple and stable height adjustment of the loading floor by ensuring reliable support in the upper position and automatic adjustment of the support element during the transition to the lower position, reducing assembly complexity and interference.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element, for example a leaf spring, is assigned to the support element, which provides a resilient preload to the support element in the direction of its operating position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2899070B1Device for adjusting the height of a loading platform in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.03.03 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2899070B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2899070B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3
  • EP2899070B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for adjusting the height of a loading floor for the cargo area of ​​a vehicle, in which the loading floor (9) can be stored in at least a first upper storage position (I) in the vehicle's vertical direction (z) and a second lower storage position (II) in a single adjustment operation. According to the invention, the device has at least one support element (21) which is adjustably mounted at a vehicle-side bearing point (23) and supports the loading floor (9) in its upper storage position (I) in a service position.