Ceiling Panel Assembly Through Enlarged Vehicle Luggage Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge is to provide a cost-effective and simple method for increasing storage space in vehicle passenger cabins by allowing for the installation and removal of ceiling panels above enlarged luggage compartments without the need for extensive redesign or replacement of existing components.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle region design featuring two luggage compartments with a ceiling panel that overlaps the compartments, allowing the ceiling panel to be moved into intermediate spaces for easy installation and removal, utilizing a detachable luggage compartment flap and a partition to create additional space for the ceiling panel, and using a fastening device with a quick-release mechanism to facilitate the process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If larger overhead luggage compartments are installed to increase storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but installation and removal space for ceiling panels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel is divided into multiple sections that can be installed and removed independently. The luggage compartment is segmented with a removable partition that creates a dedicated passage space, allowing ceiling panel sections to be maneuvered through the luggage compartment area during installation and removal without requiring large lateral spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation approach transitions from lateral movement to vertical/diagonal movement through the luggage compartment. The ceiling panel is guided through the luggage compartment space from above, utilizing the vertical dimension and the depth of the luggage compartment rather than requiring lateral clearance, thereby enabling installation despite reduced lateral installation space.
2Shape
If ceiling panels are fastened on top of or on luggage compartments to create an attractive visible surface, then appearance is improved, but conversion costs increase when replacing luggage compartments
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel is segmented into multiple independent sections, each fastened to different luggage compartments. This segmentation allows selective replacement of individual ceiling sections when converting vehicles, rather than requiring replacement of the entire ceiling assembly, thereby reducing conversion costs while maintaining the attractive visible surface.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the ceiling panel have different fastening configurations adapted to local conditions. Ceiling sections over luggage compartments with limited space use specific fastening methods, while other sections use different approaches, allowing optimization for both appearance and ease of conversion without uniform complexity throughout.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the distance between two luggage compartments is reduced to accommodate more compartments, then storage flexibility is improved, but installation and removal space for ceiling panels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel is divided into sections that can be installed independently between closely spaced luggage compartments. The removable partition in one luggage compartment creates a passage that allows ceiling sections to be maneuvered through tight spaces, enabling installation even when the distance between luggage compartments is reduced for greater arrangement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable partition acts as an intermediary element that, when removed, creates a temporary passage space between luggage compartments. This intermediary space enables the installation and removal of ceiling panels in configurations where the permanent structure would otherwise prevent access, bridging the gap between closely spaced compartments during the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle region with a roof section of a primary structure and with two luggage compartments. One of the luggage compartments comprises a detachable luggage compartment flap and a luggage compartment top, which forms the upper boundary of a part of a luggage space. A detachable fastening device can rotatably fasten the luggage compartment flap on the luggage compartment. A front edge of the luggage compartment top is at a distance from an end point in an intermediate space above a luggage compartment, to which end point a side of a ceiling panel is movable, the distance being greater than or equal to a width of the ceiling panel. Methods for installing and removing a ceiling panel above two luggage compartments are provided, wherein the ceiling panel is guided at least partially through a luggage space of a luggage compartment when the luggage compartment flap has been removed.