Configurable Cargo Cover for Movable Seat Gap Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo area covers in automotive vehicles with movable rear seats create unsightly gaps and storage challenges due to their static design, interfering with the receipt of large items and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A configurable cargo area cover assembly with a panel system that includes a first portion adjacent to the rear seat, a second portion that moves between storage and cover positions, and a third portion connected via a hinge, allowing the cover to adapt to the seat's movement and accommodate large items without gaps, with a removable panel for convenient storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a static lid/cover is used to cover the rear cargo area, then the cover structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it creates unsightly gaps when the rear seat is in selected positions
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo cover is transformed from a static structure to a dynamic one with multiple movable portions (first portion, second portion, third portion) that can independently adjust their positions. The second portion moves between storage and cover positions, while the third portion moves with the seat back between vertical and horizontal orientations, allowing the cover to adapt to different seat positions without gaps
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo cover is divided into multiple segmented portions: a first portion adjacent to the rear seat, a second portion that moves between positions, and a third portion connected via hinge that moves with the seat back. This segmentation allows each portion to independently respond to seat position changes, eliminating gaps while maintaining manufacturing simplicity
2Reliability
If a rigid planar lid/cover is used, then the cover provides complete coverage, but it creates storage challenges and interferes with receipt of large items
Solution Approach 1:
The second portion of the cargo cover is designed to move between a cover position (providing complete coverage) and a storage position (facilitating easy storage and cargo access). This dynamic capability allows the cover to transition between providing complete coverage and being stored out of the way, eliminating the trade-off between coverage and storage convenience
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the cargo cover can be selectively removed or stored in the tailgate when not needed for coverage. This extraction principle allows the cover to provide complete coverage when required while eliminating interference with receipt of large items when stored, as the cover portion is completely removed from the cargo area
3Ease of operation
If the lid/cover is selectively removed for cargo access, then large items can be received, but temporary storage of the enlarged planar lid is required and it may interfere with cargo receipt
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is merged with the tailgate of the vehicle. The second portion of the cargo cover is designed to store in the tailgate, combining the cover storage function with the existing tailgate structure. This eliminates the need for separate storage locations and prevents interference with cargo receipt, as the cover portion stores in the tailgate area rather than occupying cargo space
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo area assembly for a movable seat in an automotive vehicle includes a configurable panel covering at least a portion of a storage compartment located rearwardly of the seat. The configurable panel and a removable panel cooperate to cover the storage compartment, if desired, in a full forward and full rearward position of the seat. The configurable panel incorporates hinges to allow various positioning of panel portions and storage alternatives, and the removable panel is dimensioned for storage in the tailgate.