Cargo Space Rack Transfer Mechanism for Ergonomic Rear Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo racks are often not ergonomically accessible, requiring individuals to crouch or navigate around obstructed cargo space floors to reach compartments, which complicates storage and retrieval of items.
Innovation Solution
A transferable rack system for vehicles, where the rack is stowed entirely within the cargo space and concealed by a door pillar, and can be transferred via a mechanism through the rear door opening into a deployed state that is ergonomically accessible from outside the vehicle, moving inward along the vehicle's transverse axis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the rack is designed to be large enough to store sufficient articles, then the storage capacity is improved, but the rack occupies more space in the cargo space and reduces ergonomic accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is designed with movable and adjustable components, including height-adjustable shelves and extendable compartments that can be configured based on storage needs. The transfer mechanism enables dynamic repositioning between stowed and deployed states, allowing the rack to adapt between maximizing cargo space and providing ergonomic accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack utilizes the vertical dimension through height-adjustable shelves and layers, allowing efficient use of cargo space without increasing horizontal footprint. The transfer mechanism adds a temporal dimension by enabling the rack to switch between compact and accessible configurations.
2Area of stationary object
If the rack is arranged to maximize storage space utilization, then the space efficiency is improved, but the rack becomes less accessible and requires entry into the cargo space for retrieval
Solution Approach 1:
The transfer mechanism enables the rack to dynamically transition between a space-efficient stowed configuration and an accessible deployed configuration. This dynamic capability allows the rack to maximize cargo space utilization when not in use while providing ergonomic accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The transfer mechanism acts as an intermediary system that mediates between the conflicting requirements of space efficiency and accessibility. It enables the rack to be positioned in optimal locations within the cargo space while maintaining the ability to provide ergonomic access when required.
3Ease of manufacture
If the rack is fixed in position within the cargo space, then the installation simplicity is improved, but the rack cannot be repositioned to optimize both storage and accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The rack incorporates movable mounting mechanisms and adjustable fastening systems that enable easy repositioning while maintaining simple installation. The transfer mechanism works in conjunction with these movable mounting features to allow the rack to be repositioned to optimal locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack is designed as a modular system with segmented components that can be independently adjusted and repositioned. This segmentation allows flexible configuration and easy repositioning while maintaining installation simplicity through standardized connection interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
An automobile having a cargo space, a rear door opening for accessing the cargo space and a door pillar which delimits the rear door opening. The vehicle has a rack which in a stowed state is arranged entirely in the cargo space and is at least partially concealed by the door pillar as viewed from outside the automobile in the direction of the vehicle longitudinal axis of the automobile, and in a deployed state is arranged at least partially outside the cargo space. The vehicle has a transfer mechanism to transfer the rack between the stowed state and the deployed state via the rear door opening, wherein the transfer mechanism is configured such that, during a transfer of the rack from the stowed state into the deployed state, the rack moves inward in the direction of the vehicle transverse axis of the automobile.