Deployable Utility Table for Electric Vehicle Front Trunk
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Solution Overview
Problem
The transition to electrified vehicles creates excess space in the engine compartment, which is not effectively utilized for cargo storage, limiting the utility of front trunks in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A deployable utility table and additional features like storage compartments, lighting, and interface panels are integrated into the front trunk to convert the space into a functional cargo area that can serve as both a floor liner and a tabletop, enhancing its usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the engine compartment is converted to a front trunk cargo space by removing engine components, then cargo storage volume is improved, but the utility and functionality of the space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The utility table is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a floor liner when stowed and as a deployable tabletop/work surface when extended. The table can also function as a barrier between cargo and the passenger compartment, and includes integrated features like cup holders and storage compartments, making the front trunk space versatile for various uses beyond simple cargo storage
Solution Approach 2:
The utility table is designed with movable and adjustable components. It can be deployed from a stowed position to an extended working position, and includes adjustable legs and movable sections. This dynamic design allows the front trunk to adapt between different functional states (cargo-only mode vs. cargo+workspace mode), enhancing versatility without compromising storage volume
2Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable utility table is added to the front trunk, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The utility table is divided into multiple independent sections: a tabletop section, leg sections, and a mounting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently designed, installed, and maintained. The table can be assembled in a modular fashion, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining functional versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The utility table acts as an intermediary element between the cargo space and the passenger compartment. It provides a transitional workspace that can be deployed when needed and stowed when not needed, mediating between the need for cargo storage and the need for additional functional space without requiring permanent structural modifications
3Area of moving object
If the utility table is extended outside the cargo space, then workspace availability is improved, but the cargo space volume is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The utility table is designed with deployable legs and an extendable tabletop that can be configured in multiple positions. When extended, it provides additional workspace outside the cargo space. When stowed, it becomes a flat floor liner that maximizes cargo volume. This dynamic configurability allows the system to adapt between workspace and cargo space needs
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure details vehicle front trunk utility systems for increasing the usefulness of front truck cargo spaces. In exemplary embodiments, a vehicle front trunk utility system includes a utility table that may be deployed between a first configuration in which the utility table functions as a floor liner of a cargo space of the front trunk and a second configuration in which the utility table functions as a tabletop or work space that extends away from the cargo space. The utility systems of this disclosure may additionally or alternatively include various other utility features including but not limited to storage compartments, lighting, battery and stereo interface panels, power outlets, etc.