Vehicle Cargo Storage Device with Actuated Positioning Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo storage systems in vehicles face challenges in providing easy access to low-lying compartments under the hood or trunk, making loading and unloading of cargo cumbersome due to the need for manual handling and limited space.

Innovation Solution

A cargo loading system with a positioning mechanism that includes actuated extending rods and pivoting mechanisms to automatically move a cargo storage device from a stored position to a higher loading or unloading position, utilizing sensors and actuators for manual or automatic actuation, and incorporating passive or active rods to facilitate easier access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If cargo storage device is placed in low-lying compartment under hood or trunk, then cargo storage capacity is improved, but accessibility and ease of loading/unloading deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo storage capacityVSAvoidaccessibility for loading and unloading

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo storage device is made dynamically repositionable through a positioning mechanism that can move it between a stored position (low-lying in compartment) and a loading position (higher and more accessible). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by allowing the device to occupy optimal space during storage while providing optimal accessibility during loading operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A positioning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the low-lying cargo storage device and the user, facilitating easy loading and unloading by temporarily repositioning the device to a more accessible location without requiring the user to manually lift heavy cargo from a difficult-to-reach position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If positioning mechanism is added to move cargo storage device, then ease of loading and unloading is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of loading and unloadingVSAvoidcomplexity of positioning mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning mechanism is designed to automatically reposition the cargo storage device without requiring manual intervention from the user. Sensors detect when the compartment is opened and automatically activate the positioning mechanism, which moves the cargo storage device to the loading position and then returns it to the stored position, making the system self-serving and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex manual mechanical handling with an automated positioning mechanism that uses sensors and actuators to automatically move the cargo storage device. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually lift and reposition heavy cargo, reducing operational complexity while improving ease of loading and unloading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If cargo storage device is repositioned to higher loading position, then accessibility is improved, but stability and securement may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility for cargo accessVSAvoidstability of cargo storage device

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo storage device maintains stability through dynamic positioning - it remains securely in the low-lying stored position during normal vehicle operation, then dynamically transitions to the higher loading position only when needed for loading/unloading operations. The positioning mechanism ensures stable placement in both positions, preventing stability issues while improving accessibility when required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enhances the ease of loading and unloading cargo by automatically repositioning the storage device, improving accessibility and reducing manual effort, while allowing for adjustable configurations to accommodate various cargo sizes and types.

Implementation Method 1

A cargo loading system may include a line attached to a hood or a trunk such that the opening of the hood pulls the cargo storage device to a loading or unloading position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical actuation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

The loading system may also include a hinge or a motor configured to rotate the cargo storage device to the loading or unloading position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational actuation: Torque

Implementation Method 3

During movement to the stored position the positioning mechanism may pivot the cargo storage device, through motorized means

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMotorized actuation: Linear Motor

Data Source

PatentUS11208046B2Vehicle cargo loading system

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 KARMA AUTOMOTIVE LLC

AI summary

A cargo loading system for loading or unloading cargo to a motor vehicle. The cargo loading system includes a compartment, a cargo storage device within the compartment, and a positioning mechanism. The cargo storage device includes a stored and loading position. The positioning mechanism controls the movement of the cargo storage device between the stored position and loading position. The loading position is positioned so that it is configured to be ease loading and loading of cargo to and from the motor vehicle.