Hinged Vehicle Closure Parcel Tray Deployment Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle systems lack an efficient method for automatically deploying and retracting a parcel tray in unison with hinged closure members, such as doors, to facilitate secure and convenient exchange of goods or items between users and the vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A parcel tray system that includes a closure member, a parcel tray mounted to the closure member, and an actuator system comprising an electric linear actuator, a roller wheel assembly, and a track, allowing the parcel tray to move smoothly between closed and open positions in response to control module commands, with support devices ensuring stable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a parcel tray system is manually operated, then the structure can be simple, but the efficiency and automation level of goods exchange is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of parcel tray deploymentVSAvoidcomplexity of actuator system

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an electric linear actuator system. The actuator converts electrical energy to linear motion, automatically deploying and retracting the parcel tray in unison with the closure member movement, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining structural feasibility through the use of guide tracks and roller assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator system serves multiple functions: it deploys the parcel tray, ensures synchronized movement with the closure member, and enables automated retraction. The same actuator mechanism integrates with the existing closure member structure, making the system multi-functional without requiring entirely separate mechanisms for each operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the parcel tray moves independently from the closure member, then the tray can be positioned flexibly, but the movement control and synchronization becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesmooth movement of parcel trayVSAvoidcomplexity of synchronized movement mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the parcel tray movement mechanism with the closure member actuation system. The electric linear actuator is integrated to simultaneously control both the closure member opening/closing and the parcel tray deployment/retraction, ensuring they move in unison. This unified approach simplifies control synchronization while achieving smooth, coordinated movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide track and roller assembly serve as intermediary elements between the actuator and the parcel tray. These components translate the linear actuator motion into synchronized movement of the closure member and parcel tray, ensuring smooth operation while managing the complexity of coordinated control through mechanical guidance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the parcel tray is automatically deployed, then the delivery efficiency increases, but the risk of mispositioning or instability increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of goods exchangeVSAvoidpositioning accuracy of parcel tray

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control module monitors the position and movement of the parcel tray during automated deployment. By tracking the closure member's movement and correlating it with the actuator's operation, the system ensures the tray reaches the correct position and remains stable throughout the exchange process, preventing mispositioning while maintaining high-speed operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares the parcel tray for deployment in advance by pre-positioning it within the closure member. The actuator system is pre-configured to move the tray in unison with the closure member, ensuring that when automated deployment occurs, the tray is already positioned correctly and can be reliably delivered or received without instability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11491919B2Systems and methods for deploying parcel trays on hinged vehicle closure members

Publication Date: 2022.11.08 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

Vehicle parcel tray systems may be provided for exchanging goods or other items between authorized users and the vehicle. A parcel tray of the parcel tray system may be automatically deployed for exchanging the goods or other items as part of an automated delivery process. The parcel tray may be configured to move in unison with a vehicle closure member via an actuator system that operably links movement of the parcel tray with that of the closure member.