Collapsible Cargo Box with Motorized Deployment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo management systems in vehicles fail to effectively prevent smaller items from bouncing around and larger items from sliding, while also being easily retrievable and storable, as nets are often insufficient and traditional containers like boxes limit space and cause retrieval difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible cargo box system with a base member slidably supported in the vehicle's cargo zone, featuring a deployment mechanism with an electric motor and control module that extends the box outward, along with foldable side walls and a release mechanism for easy access and storage, allowing the box to be shifted and folded for optimal use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nets are used to retain items in the cargo area, then smaller items can be held in place, but the nets are not robust enough to retain larger items and require frequent storage
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo box is designed with collapsible side walls that can transition between extended and retracted positions. When extended, the box provides robust containment for large items; when retracted, it minimizes space requirements. This dynamic structure allows a single system to handle both small and large items effectively without requiring multiple separate solutions like nets and rigid boxes.
2Reliability
If plastic crates and cardboard boxes are used to retain items, then items are securely held, but these boxes limit cargo holding area and make retrieval difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo box features side walls that can be selectively extended or retracted based on cargo requirements. When items need secure containment, the walls extend to provide robust sides. When cargo space is prioritized or items are easily contained, the walls retract to maximize the available cargo area. This dynamic adjustment eliminates the need to choose between security and space.
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo box is divided into modular components with independently controllable side walls. Each wall can be adjusted separately based on the specific cargo configuration, allowing optimal balance between containment and space utilization for different loading scenarios.
3Reliability
If traditional rigid boxes are used for cargo storage, then items are protected from movement, but the boxes cannot be easily folded for storage and retrieval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo box incorporates collapsible side walls that can be folded inward or removed entirely. This allows the box to transition from a rigid, protective structure to a more open configuration that facilitates easy access and retrieval of items. The same structure that provides stability when needed can be modified to improve accessibility when required.
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
The system securely holds items in place, facilitates easy retrieval, and provides flexible storage by expanding the cargo area when needed, while being easily stowed away when not in use, enhancing both security and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
the deployment mechanism comprises an electric motor
Implementation Method 2
A spring is connected to the base member and selectively shifted to a deployed position extending outwardly from the cargo zone
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo management system for a vehicle includes a base member slidably supported in a cargo zone of a vehicle. A collapsible cargo box is mounted to the base member. The collapsible cargo box includes a bottom wall, and a plurality of side walls that define a storage zone. A deployment mechanism is operatively connected to the base member. The deployment mechanism selectively biases the base member outwardly from the cargo zone. An actuator is operatively connected to the deployment mechanism. The actuator selectively triggers the deployment mechanism to shift the base member outwardly of the cargo zone.