Vehicle Cargo Divider Lid with Adjustable Receiving Slots

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles lack an effective cargo divider solution that allows for customizable storage compartment division without requiring aftermarket components, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of cargo area utilization.

Innovation Solution

A cargo divider assembly featuring a lid that operates between a cover position and multiple divider positions, utilizing receiving slots in the cargo area floor to extend into the storage compartment, allowing for customizable division of the cargo area without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed storage compartment design is used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but the cargo area lacks flexibility and cannot be customized for different storage needs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo area flexibilityVSAvoidstorage compartment structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The storage compartment is segmented into multiple sections by dividing the cargo area into a main cargo area and a storage compartment separated by a divider panel. The divider panel can be positioned at different locations along the cargo area, creating segmented zones that can be independently configured for different storage needs while maintaining overall structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The lid is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a cover for the storage compartment when in the closed position and as a divider panel when positioned along the cargo area. This universal component eliminates the need for separate divider structures, providing cargo area flexibility without increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If aftermarket components are added to achieve customizable storage, then cargo management flexibility improves, but the device complexity and installation requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage customizationVSAvoidadditional components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The divider panel and lid are merged into a single integrated component. The lid serves dual purposes: covering the storage compartment when closed and acting as a divider panel when positioned along the cargo area. This merging eliminates the need for separate aftermarket divider components, achieving storage customization without additional parts

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vehicle's existing lid structure is utilized to provide divider functionality. By designing the lid with receiving slots that allow it to be positioned along the cargo area at different locations, the system uses the vehicle's own components to achieve customization, eliminating the need for external aftermarket additions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS11420565B2Cargo divider assembly for a vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.08.23 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • US11420565B2 patent drawing
  • US11420565B2 patent drawing
  • US11420565B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A cargo divider assembly for a cargo area of a vehicle includes a storage compartment defined within the cargo area, first and second receiving slots defined within the storage compartment, and a lid. The lid is operable between a cover position, wherein the lid covers the storage compartment, a first divider position, wherein the lid is received within the first receiving slot and extends a first distance into the storage compartment, and a second divider position, wherein the lid is received within the second receiving slot and extends a second distance into the storage compartment that is greater than the first distance.