Collapsible Cargo Organizer with Hinged Wall Panels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage compartments often require features to subdivide space, which can occupy storage space and interfere with its use, and are not easily convertible between subdivided and un-subdivided configurations.
Innovation Solution
A cargo organizer with collapsible storage compartments and a deployment system that includes hinged wall panels and strap systems, allowing the compartments to be selectively deployed between a collapsed and open condition, enabling efficient use of space and easy conversion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If features for subdividing inner compartments are added to secure objects and enhance usability, then storage organization is improved, but the features themselves occupy storage space and interfere with the use of storage spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartment is divided into multiple wall panels (front, rear, left, right) that can be independently positioned. These segmented panels can be configured in different orientations (upright or lowered) to create subdivided storage spaces when needed, while allowing the entire structure to be collapsed flat when maximum storage volume is required, thus resolving the contradiction between organization and space availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall panels are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between upright and lowered positions using deployment systems (straps, hinges, or elastic elements). This dynamic capability allows the storage compartment to transition between organized subdivided configurations and collapsed flat configurations, enabling the system to adapt between providing storage organization and maximizing storage volume as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed subdivided compartments are installed to provide storage organization, then object security is improved, but conversion to un-subdivided configurations for larger storage spaces is not convenient or possible
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system enables dynamic reconfiguration of the wall panels between upright and lowered positions. Straps, hinges, or elastic elements allow users to easily transition the compartment from a subdivided organized state to a collapsed flat state without complex assembly or disassembly, thus providing both storage organization and ease of conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic deployment elements or spring mechanisms automatically assist in returning the wall panels to their upright positioned when tension is applied, reducing the manual effort required for reconfiguration. The system essentially serves itself by using stored elastic energy to help restore the organized configuration after collapse.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo organizer includes a base, a storage compartment supported by the base and a deployment system for the storage compartment. The storage compartment includes a plurality of wall panels each having a hinged connection with the base and pivotable about its hinged connection between a stowed orientation and an upright orientation. The storage compartment is selectively deployable between a collapsed condition and an open condition. In the collapsed condition, each wall panel is lowered to its stowed orientation while, in the open condition, each wall panel is raised to its upright orientation. In the collapsed condition, the wall panels include an underlying wall panel and two adjacent overlying wall panels in spaced opposition about the underlying wall panel. The deployment system includes a strap system that connects an inboard portion of the underlying wall panel to respective outboard portions of the two adjacent overlying wall panels.