Motor Vehicle Cargo Panel With Translating Pivoting Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo assist devices in motor vehicles fail to provide a secure and efficient way to carry cargo and pets, as they do not prevent cargo from falling into the rear footwell during driving, and lack covered storage options.
Innovation Solution
A cargo assist apparatus with a translating and pivoting connector that includes a panel and stability links, allowing the panel to be displaced between stowed, first deployed, and second deployed positions, creating a continuous surface and barrier to prevent cargo from falling into the rear footwell, while also providing covered storage through a pivoting flap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a panel is deployed to create a continuous surface extending to the back of the front row seats, then cargo security is improved and cargo cannot fall into the rear footwell, but the device complexity increases due to the translating and pivoting connector mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is designed to be movable rather than fixed, capable of transitioning between stowed and deployed positions. The translating and pivoting connector enables the panel to dynamically adjust its position and orientation, allowing it to extend to the back of the front row seats when needed while remaining compact when not in use. This dynamic capability provides cargo security only when required, reducing the perceived complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel can be nested or folded into a compact configuration when not in use, similar to a nested doll structure. The translating and pivoting connector allows the panel to collapse into a space-efficient form that can be stored within or adjacent to the seat structure, minimizing the space occupied and reducing the apparent complexity of the system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the panel is displaced between multiple positions using a translating and pivoting connector, then cargo carrying versatility is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to the complex movement mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The panel's ability to transition between multiple positions (stowed, first deployed, second deployed) provides versatility for different cargo carrying needs. The translating and pivoting connector enables smooth transitions between these positions, allowing the system to adapt to various cargo sizes and configurations while maintaining reasonable operational ease through controlled mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The single panel structure serves multiple functions by being capable of occupying different positions and configurations. When in the first deployed position, it creates a continuous surface for cargo transport; when in the second deployed position, it can create covered storage in the rear footwell area. This multi-functionality is achieved through the translating and pivoting connector that enables versatile positioning without requiring multiple separate components.
3Reliability
If a flap is added to create covered storage in the rear footwell area, then storage security is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is integrated with the panel structure rather than being a separate, independent component. The flap is pivotally connected to the panel, allowing it to function as an extension or attachment of the main panel. This merging of the flap with the existing panel reduces the overall device complexity compared to having completely separate components, while still providing covered storage capability when the flap is in its projecting position.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo assist apparatus is provided for a motor vehicle. That cargo assist apparatus includes a panel and a translating and pivoting connector whereby the panel is displaced between a stowed position below an upper face of the seat bottom, a first deployed position projecting above the upper face and a second deployed position projecting forward from the upper face.