Concave Roof Module for Vehicle Load Space Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for enlarging the volumetric load space of vehicle cabins often require invasive modifications and re-registration, increasing costs and complexity, especially when adapting standard vehicles for disabled transport without compromising safety standards.
Innovation Solution
A method involving cutting the vehicle roof to create an opening and coupling a concave box-shaped covering element, which includes a fluid-tight seal and integrated hinge system with the hatch, allowing for enlarged cargo space without invasive modifications and re-registration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the roof is raised to enlarge the volumetric load space, then the cargo compartment volume increases, but the vehicle requires new registration and involves costly modifications
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the roof modification into two parts: the original roof structure is preserved, and a separate detachable covering element (module) is added on top. This modular approach allows volume enlargement without permanently altering the vehicle structure, thus avoiding re-registration requirements while achieving the desired cargo space increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element is designed to be detachable and removable, transforming the static roof structure into a dynamic one. This allows the vehicle to switch between two states: standard configuration (covering removed) and enlarged volume configuration (covering installed), providing flexibility without permanent structural changes that would require re-registration.
2Volume of stationary object
If adaptation work is performed on standard vehicles to enlarge load space, then the volumetric load space increases, but the vehicle frame is compromised and re-registration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The solution separates the volume enlargement function from the vehicle frame structure. Instead of modifying the frame, a standalone covering element is placed on the roof, preserving frame integrity while achieving volume enlargement. This modular approach eliminates the need to compromise structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element acts as an intermediary between the vehicle roof and the required volume enlargement. It provides the additional space needed for disabled transport without directly interacting with or compromising the vehicle frame, thus maintaining structural reliability while achieving the volume increase.
3Volume of stationary object
If the cargo compartment platform is lowered to increase load space, then the volumetric load space increases, but the vehicle frame is compromised and re-registration is required
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the volume enlargement approach by adding height rather than extending length or width. This vertical addition through a detachable covering element avoids the costly and complex work of lowering the platform and modifying the frame, providing a more economical manufacturing solution.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element is a relatively simple, detachable structure that can be manufactured at lower cost compared to permanent frame modifications. It provides the necessary volume increase without the high costs associated with frame work and re-registration, making it an economically favorable solution.
4Volume of stationary object
If invasive modifications are made to enlarge load space, then the volumetric load space increases, but the modification costs and labor increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution uses a modular covering element that can be manufactured separately and installed without invasive modifications. This segmentation allows for simpler, less expensive manufacturing compared to integrated frame modifications, reducing both material and labor costs while achieving the desired volume increase.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering element is designed and prepared in advance as a complete module, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes. This preliminary preparation enables cost-effective production and installation, avoiding the need for expensive custom on-site modifications and reducing labor costs.
Data Source
Figure 1a
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Figure 2
AI summary
Method for enlarging the volumetric load space V of a cabin 2 of a vehicle 1 comprising the following steps: - arranging a vehicle 1 of the van type with an interior cabin 2 bounded at the front by a bonnet area 11 for housing the engine, at the sides by a first and a second side wall 12,13, at the bottom by an underbody 16, at the top by a roof 14 and at the rear by a hatch 15; - cutting the roof 14 of the vehicle 1 in order to obtain an opening 3 on the same; - providing a covering element 4 having a concave box shape; - coupling the covering element 4 to the roof 14 of the vehicle 1 by placing the covering element 4 with the concavity facing the roof 14 of the vehicle 1 so as to create a fluid-tight coupling. Said coupling phase includes a sub-phase of joining a rear wall 43 of the covering element 4 to the hatch 15 of the vehicle 1, making the two elements integral so that when the hatch 15 of the vehicle 1 is opened or closed, the rear wall 43 of the covering element 4 is opened or closed at the same time.