Articulated Vehicle Loading Floor with Pivotable Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor vehicle loading floors are not easily removable and require complex operations for access and closure, making them difficult to use and operate.

Innovation Solution

A loading floor design with articulated sections that can be pivoted and locked using a linearly displaceable locking member, allowing the entire floor to be easily removed or left in an intermediate state for access, featuring a closure element that can be unlocked and relocked without additional steps, and is secured to the vehicle via frame parts for stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the loading floor sections are arranged in different planes (vertical and horizontal), then the closure element is harder to access, but the loading floor can be securely fixed to the vehicle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of closure elementVSAvoidsecure fixation of loading floor
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The loading floor sections are designed to be pivotable about an axis, allowing dynamic adjustment between different spatial configurations. The sections can be arranged in the same plane when removed and in different planes when fixed to the vehicle, providing adaptability for both accessibility and secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the loading floor requires multiple steps for removal, then the fixation is more secure, but the operation becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremoval process simplicityVSAvoidnumber of removal steps
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading floor is divided into multiple sections that are articulated and can be independently manipulated. The first section can be locked via the locking member while the second section can be raised or folded separately, allowing segmented removal operations that simplify the overall process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sections are pre-configured in an articulated manner with pivot axes and locking mechanisms already in place. This preliminary arrangement allows the loading floor to be quickly removed or positioned in intermediate states without requiring complex sequential operations during the removal process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the loading floor is designed as a single rigid piece, then the structure is simpler, but the accessibility and removal ease are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility and removal easeVSAvoidloading floor structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The loading floor is segmented into multiple sections that are articulated together. This segmentation allows the loading floor to be divided into manageable parts that can be independently positioned, accessed, and removed, improving operational ease while maintaining structural integrity through the articulated connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The loading floor transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic articulated system. The sections can pivot about axes and be arranged in different configurations (same plane or different planes), providing flexibility for accessibility and removal while maintaining structural strength when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2878489B1Loading platform for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 VOLKSWAGEN AG
  • EP2878489B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2878489B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2878489B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a loading floor for a vehicle, comprising a first section (1) and at least a second section (2) arranged behind the first section (1) in the direction of travel of the vehicle, wherein the second section (2) is articulated and pivotable about an axis connected to the first section (1), and a locking element (6), wherein at least a part of the loading floor can be detachably fixed to the vehicle via the locking element (6). The loading floor can be removed from the vehicle in an unlocked state of the locking element (6), wherein the first section (1) and the second section (2) are arranged in the same plane in the fixed state, and wherein the first section of the loading floor can be locked via the locking element.