Vehicle Cargo Retention Features for Reconfigurable Support Bars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo management systems for vehicles are difficult to remove or reconfigure, especially when transporting different types of cargo, as they are often bolted permanently or semi-permanently to the vehicle, limiting flexibility in cargo arrangement and space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A cargo management system featuring retention features with platforms and lips on panel structures that inhibit movement in the longitudinal direction while allowing lateral movement, enabling easy assembly and disassembly of support members without permanent fastening, allowing for flexible cargo arrangement and reconfiguration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If retention features are designed to inhibit longitudinal movement while allowing lateral movement, then cargo support security is improved, but device complexity increases due to the dual-directional movement constraint mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is segmented into distinct functional components: a platform for support, a lip for longitudinal constraint, and defined spaces for lateral movement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, achieving secure cargo support without requiring a complex integrated mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature is designed with dynamic characteristics, allowing the support member to move laterally within defined spaces while maintaining longitudinal position through the lip constraint. This dynamic design enables the system to adapt to different cargo configurations while maintaining security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support members are designed for easy assembly and disassembly without permanent fastening, then reconfigurability is improved, but strength of connection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into removable retention features that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each retention feature maintains strong connection through the lip-platform geometry while allowing easy removal, achieving both reconfigurability and connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention feature acts as an intermediary element between the panel structure and the support member. It provides a strong connection through its geometric design (lip and platform) while allowing easy assembly and disassembly, mediating between the need for strong connection and easy reconfiguration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If lips extend upwardly from platforms to inhibit lateral movement, then cargo stabilization is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in inserting support members
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature utilizes three-dimensional space effectively, with the lip extending upwardly to provide longitudinal constraint while defined spaces below allow lateral insertion. This dimensional arrangement enables cargo stabilization without blocking the insertion path.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo management system for a cargo area of a vehicle includes a first retention feature and a second retention feature. The first retention feature is formed in a first panel structure of the cargo area and adapted to support a first end of a support member. The second retention feature is formed in an opposing second panel structure of the cargo area and adapted to support an opposed second end of the support member. The first and second retention features are configured to inhibit movement of the support member in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle while also allowing the support member to move laterally past one of the first and second retention features into a space defined by a respective panel structure.