Vehicle Cargo Platform Hinge Mechanism for Fold-Out Table

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicles lack flexible and versatile cargo area features that allow users to utilize the space effectively both during and after driving, particularly when the vehicle is parked at recreational or event locations.

Innovation Solution

A platform assembly for a vehicle's cargo zone, featuring a platform with one or more panels and a double hinge mechanism that allows the platform to rotate 180 degrees and extend partially outside the cargo zone, creating a stowable bench or table surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a platform assembly is added to the cargo zone to provide a deployable surface, then the versatility and usability of the cargo area is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo area usabilityVSAvoidplatform assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform assembly is nested within the cargo zone when stowed, with the platform positioned beneath the load floor. The double hinge mechanism allows the platform to be stored compactly within the vehicle's cargo area, only deploying when needed for outdoor activities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The platform assembly transitions between static (stowed beneath load floor) and dynamic (deployed outside cargo zone) states through the double hinge mechanism. This dynamic configuration allows the same structure to serve multiple functions: cargo storage when stowed and outdoor activity surface when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Area of moving object

If the platform is designed to extend partially outside the cargo zone, then the functional space available for outdoor activities is improved, but the storage space for cargo items is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployed surface areaVSAvoidcargo storage volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The platform assembly is segmented from the main cargo zone, allowing it to be deployed independently outside the cargo area. The double hinge mechanism creates a clear separation between the stowed position (within cargo zone) and deployed position (partially outside), enabling the cargo zone to maintain its storage volume while the platform provides additional functional space when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a double hinge mechanism is used to allow rotation and vertical movement, then the ease of operation and deployment flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform deploymentVSAvoidhinge mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The double hinge mechanism serves multiple functions: it enables rotation of the platform about a hinge axis, allows vertical movement of the platform, and facilitates the transition between stowed and deployed positions. This multi-functional hinge design consolidates several movement capabilities into a single mechanism, improving ease of operation while managing complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the platform panels are configured to rotate 180 degrees, then the adaptability of the platform configuration is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatform configurationVSAvoidpanel rotation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The platform panels are merged into a unified assembly that rotates together as a single unit through 180 degrees. The double hinge mechanism coordinates the movement of multiple panels, ensuring they maintain proper alignment during rotation. This combined approach reduces the need for high-precision individual panel manufacturing while achieving the desired configurability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The platform assembly enhances the usability of the cargo area by providing a deployable surface that can be easily converted between a stowed position and a deployed position, without reducing storage space or interfering with other cargo items.

Implementation Method 1

a platform hinge operably connected to a platform panel of the platform and secured to a body of the vehicle. The platform hinge is configured to move the platform between a stowed position inside the cargo zone to a deployed position at least partially outside of the cargo zone via rotation about a hinge axis of the platform hinge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Data Source

PatentUS20250018868A1Load floor fold out table for vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.01.16 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A platform assembly for a cargo zone of a vehicle includes a platform including one or more platform panels, and a platform hinge operably connected to a platform panel of the platform and secured to a body of the vehicle. The platform hinge is configured to move the platform between a stowed position inside the cargo zone to a deployed position at least partially outside of the cargo zone via rotation about a hinge axis of the platform hinge.