Convertible Cargo Rack with Pivoting Platform and Side Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing convertible cargo racks for utility vehicles require multiple steps and two persons to convert from a rear seat to a cargo rack, and are prone to mechanical wear, making them cumbersome and less reliable over time.
Innovation Solution
A convertible cargo rack design featuring a rear seat back pivotably mounted to the vehicle frame, a platform that pivots between seating and cargo positions, and a side rail connected by linkages, allowing for easy conversion by one person with minimal mechanical components subject to wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a conversion mechanism is used to retract the rear seat and expand the cargo box, then the cargo space is increased, but the mechanism requires two persons and multiple steps to operate and is subject to mechanical wear
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo rack is divided into separate modular components (side rails, platform, crossmembers) that can be independently positioned and secured. Each component can be adjusted without requiring coordination of multiple persons, allowing simple reconfiguration of cargo space while avoiding complex interdependent conversion mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The side rails are designed to be pivotably mounted to the vehicle frame, allowing them to dynamically adjust between different positions (upright, folded, extended) to create various cargo configurations. This dynamic adaptability provides flexible cargo space without requiring permanent fixed structures or complex conversion mechanisms.
2Volume of moving object
If a conversion mechanism is used to retract the rear seat and expand the cargo box, then the cargo space is increased, but the mechanism is subject to wear that may slow or interfere with its use
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cargo rack into separate components mounted independently to the vehicle frame rather than using a single integrated conversion mechanism, the patent eliminates the wear issues associated with complex interlocking parts. Each component has simple mounting points that are less susceptible to wear and mechanical failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the cargo rack components from the traditional fixed cargo box configuration and creates a separate, independently mounted system. This separation removes the dependency on wear-prone conversion mechanisms that link the rear seat to the cargo box, allowing the cargo space to be expanded without the mechanical wear problems of integrated systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rear seat is made retractable and the cargo box expandable, then the cargo space flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo rack is segmented into independent components (side rails, platform, crossmembers) that can be simply positioned and secured without complex mechanical linkages. This segmentation provides cargo space flexibility through modular arrangement while keeping each component structurally simple and easy to implement.
Solution Approach 2:
The side rails serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, define cargo boundaries, and can be positioned in different configurations (upright, folded, extended) to accommodate various cargo needs. This multi-functionality achieves adaptability without requiring separate specialized components for each function, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A utility vehicle (100) having a frame (104), a front seat (108), a rear seat (106) and a convertible cargo rack (102), comprising: the rear seat (106) pivotably mounted behind the front seat (108) and pivotable between a seating position and a cargo position; a platform (110) attached to the rear seat (106) and pivoting with the rear seat (106) to provide a generally horizontal floor over the rear seat (106) in the cargo position; and a side rail (112) pivotably mounted to the frame (104) behind the rear seat (106) and pivoting together with the platform (110) to a generally horizontal position above the platform (110) in the cargo position.