Vehicle Cargo Divider Rod Guide Rail Securing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo systems lack the ability to securely position tonneau cover rods at various points, limiting the flexibility in altering the layout of the cargo area.
Innovation Solution
A layout system featuring a divider with flexible rods and cargo side-trims that include guide rail portions and securing portions, allowing the rods to be easily moved and secured at different positions, enabling flexible configuration of the cargo area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If rods are made movable along guide rails, then the layout of the cargo area can be altered, but the rods cannot be secured at various positions
Solution Approach 1:
The rod transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic movable position along the guide rail, while the securing mechanism provides dynamic locking at various positions. The rod can be moved freely when not secured, and locked when positioning is needed, achieving both flexibility and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A securing mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rod and the guide rail, providing the locking function. This intermediary component enables the rod to be secured at various positions without affecting its movability when not secured.
2Stability of the object's composition
If rods are secured at fixed positions, then position stability is achieved, but the layout cannot be easily altered
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism allows the rod to switch between fixed and movable states dynamically. When securing is needed, the mechanism locks the rod at the desired position providing stability. When layout change is needed, the mechanism releases the rod allowing easy movement to new positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism is designed to be easily operated by the user without requiring additional tools or complex procedures. The user can independently secure or release the rod at any position along the guide rail, achieving both stability and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a secure locking mechanism is added to hold rods at various positions, then position securing is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing mechanism is designed as a simple intermediary component that interfaces between the rod and the guide rail. By keeping this intermediary simple and focused on a single function (locking), the overall system complexity is minimized while still achieving reliable position securing.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism is designed to be self-contained and easy to operate without requiring additional control systems, actuators, or complex mechanisms. This self-service design achieves position securing with minimal added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A layout system for a cargo area of a vehicle includes a divider and cargo side-trims. The divider includes a first rod, a second rod, and a screen. The cargo side-trims are installed in the vehicle to form sidewalls of the cargo area. The cargo side-trims include rails that include guide rail portions and rail-side securing portions. The guide rail portions are for guiding end portions of the first and the second rods along a front-rear direction of the vehicle. The guide rail portions include horizontal portion and extending portions that extend from the respective horizontal portions toward a lower rear of the vehicle. The rail-side securing portions are connected to the guide rail portions, respectively. The rail-side securing portions are for holding the end portions of the first and the second rods to secure the first and the second rods to the cargo side-trims.