Collapsible Vehicle Cargo Enclosure with Linkage Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle storage areas lack efficient and secure solutions for cargo storage that remain stable during collisions and erratic driving, and provide multifunctional space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible assembly integrated with the vehicle's seating system, allowing the seat to pivot and deploy a rigid enclosure defined by the seat and floor, which can be selectively configured between a collapsed and cargo storage configuration using a linkage system and actuator, maintaining the enclosure with detents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid enclosure is provided for cargo storage, then cargo stability during collisions and erratic driving is improved, but vehicle space flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage enclosure is designed to be dynamically transformable between a deployed rigid enclosure configuration for cargo storage and a collapsed configuration that clears the storage area. The enclosure includes collapsible walls with hinges and locking mechanisms that allow it to be erected when needed and folded away when not needed, resolving the contradiction between providing reliable cargo containment and maintaining space flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage enclosure is divided into multiple segmented walls that can independently fold and collapse. Each wall is a separate component connected by hinges, allowing the enclosure to be disassembled into compact segments for storage while forming a complete rigid structure when deployed, thus maintaining both cargo stability and space flexibility.
2Reliability
If a collapsible assembly is deployed to form an enclosure, then cargo storage security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible storage enclosure is integrated with the vehicle seat structure, merging the storage system with the existing seating architecture. The enclosure attaches to the seat frame and utilizes the seat's structural elements as part of the storage system, reducing the need for separate complex support structures and simplifying the overall device complexity while maintaining cargo storage security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the seat is made rotationally operable to enable enclosure deployment, then space utilization flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The seat's rotational movement automatically triggers the deployment of the storage enclosure through mechanical linkages and latch mechanisms. When the seat is rotated to its upright position, the enclosure walls are automatically erected and locked into place through the self-service mechanism, eliminating the need for separate manual deployment actions and maintaining ease of operation while enabling space utilization flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle comprises a seating assembly attached to a floor having a seat that is rotationally operable relative to a seatback. A collapsible assembly is attached to the floor and the seat. When the seat is pivoted upright to a stadium position, the collapsible assembly is selectively deployable from a collapsed configuration to a cargo storage configuration. The cargo storage configuration defines a rigid enclosure at least partially defined by the seat and the floor.