Cargo Lid Retention Cable Hinge Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage systems in pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles lack a suitable cargo lid retention mechanism that can securely retain the cargo lid during failure of the hinged connection, especially in high-stress situations like crashes, and are prone to dislodging due to wear and tear or violent impacts.

Innovation Solution

A retention cable assembly is provided, where a cable is connected to the cargo lid door's hinges and distal to them, ensuring the cable remains co-planar with the lid, thereby restricting unwanted movement and securing the lid to the vehicle even if the hinges fail, using a bundle of strands with a minimum breaking strength of 1200 kilograms per foot.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a chain or tether is used to limit lid rotation, then the lid rotation range is limited, but the lid cannot be retained if hinges fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid retention reliabilityVSAvoidretention strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The retention system is divided into two independent components: hinges for normal operation and a separate cable assembly for failure retention. The cable assembly includes a cable with connectors that independently secure the lid to the box, providing redundant retention capability without interfering with hinge function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cable assembly is pre-installed and positioned within the lid and box structure before any failure occurs. The cable is routed through designated paths and connectors are positioned to automatically engage and retain the lid if hinge failure occurs, without requiring any additional action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If mounted accessories are added to increase storage security, then storage protection is improved, but components can become dislodged due to wear and tear or crashes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage securityVSAvoidmounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cable assembly is integrated into the existing lid and box structures by utilizing existing mounting points and structural features. The cable routes through the lid interior and connects to the box using existing reinforcement areas, merging the retention function with the structural design rather than adding separate external components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a retention cable is added to secure the cargo lid, then lid retention reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelid retention reliabilityVSAvoidcable assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible cable is used instead of rigid rods or bars to provide the retention function. The cable can bend and flex to accommodate the geometric relationship between the lid and box while maintaining retention strength, simplifying the assembly compared to rigid structural components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS7374221B2Cargo lid anchor cable

Publication Date: 2008.05.20 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

A retention cable arrangement for retaining a cargo closure assembly in association with a storage compartment of a vehicle includes a cargo lid door having at least one hinge for pivotally connecting the cargo door to the vehicle. A retention cable is connected to the at least one hinge and to the cargo door distal to the at least one hinge.