Vehicle Covering Shelf Flap Structure for Rear Seat Gap Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hatchback type vehicles face issues with items stored under the covering shelf being visible from outside through the gap between the rear seat and the covering shelf, leading to theft concerns due to the lack of effective gap blocking and tilting mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A covering shelf that is deformable and includes a flap that rotates and extends to block the gap between the rear seat and the covering shelf, utilizing a hinge, elastic means, and extension parts to adapt to the tilting of the rear seat, and includes fixing mechanisms to secure the flap in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed covering shelf is installed to block the gap between the rear seat and the tailgate, then theft prevention is improved, but the rear seat tilting function is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The covering shelf is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one by adding a flap that can rotate relative to the main body. The hinge connection allows the flap to change its position dynamically, maintaining blocking function while accommodating rear seat tilting movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering shelf is divided into two functional segments: the main body that remains relatively stable and the flap that can independently rotate. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function - the main body provides structural support while the flap adapts to seat position changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a gap is maintained between the covering shelf and the rear seat to allow tilting, then rear seat tilting is enabled, but items stored under the shelf become visible from outside
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed to dynamically adjust its position based on the rear seat angle. When the seat is tilted, the flap rotates to maintain contact with the seat back, continuously blocking the gap and preventing visibility of stored items throughout the tilting range.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the covering shelf is made deformable to adapt to rear seat tilting, then gap blocking is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The deformability is achieved through a simple hinge mechanism rather than complex actuators or sensors. The elastic means provide automatic restoring force, eliminating the need for motors or control systems, thus maintaining mechanical simplicity while achieving the desired adaptive blocking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic means automatically adjust the flap position based on the rear seat angle without external control. The system self-regulates by using the natural elastic deformation and restoring force to maintain optimal blocking position, reducing the need for complex control mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution effectively addresses the storage and visibility of the storage items to be visually blocked from the outside through the gap between the rear seat and the covering shelf, utilizing a hinge, elastic means, and extension parts to adapt to the tilting of the rear seat, and includes fixing mechanisms to secure the flap in place, thereby preventing theft.
Implementation Method 1
a flap extended from the main body toward the rear seat and rotatably mounted on the main body
Implementation Method 2
an elastic means configured to provide restoring force as the flap rotates
Implementation Method 3
the other end of the elastic means including a torsion spring that is configured to rotate together with the flap
Implementation Method 4
a magnet provided at one of the main body and the flap, and a magnet or magnetic body provided at the other of the main body and the flap
Data Source
AI summary
A covering shelf which is supported and installed in a position that is spaced apart by a set height from a floor in a rear space of a rear seat in a vehicle. The covering shelf includes a main body configured to be extended in forward, backward and left and right directions to divide the rear space into upper and lower parts, and a flap configured to be extended from the main body toward the rear seat and rotatably installed on the main body.