Vehicle Double Floor Retention Using Rigid Sidewall Engagement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for retaining a double floor in a vehicle's luggage compartment, such as those using elastic elements, face limitations like permanent deformation and surface deterioration, making them inefficient and durable, and require additional force to maintain the inclined position.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a rigid element on the side walls of the luggage compartment that protrudes and a through recess in the double floor, allowing the rigid element to pass through during position changes, eliminating the need for elastic forces and enabling easy, ergonomic retention of the double floor in an inclined position without additional parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic elements are used to retain the double floor in inclined position, then the double floor can be held in position, but the elastic elements undergo permanent deformation and surface deterioration after several cycles

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention capabilityVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the elastic element from the system and replaces it with a rigid retention element that has a retention surface. This eliminates the permanent deformation and surface deterioration problems associated with elastic elements while maintaining the retention function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter of the retention element from elastic to rigid. This parameter change eliminates the deformation issue inherent in elastic materials while providing a durable retention solution that can withstand repeated cycles without degradation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If elastic elements are used to retain the double floor, then retention is achieved, but additional force is required to deform the elastic element for position changes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention capabilityVSAvoidforce required for position change

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the elastic element that requires deformation force and replaces it with a rigid retention element. The retention mechanism now relies on the geometric relationship between the retention element and the recess rather than elastic deformation, eliminating the need for additional force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using an elastic element that requires compression or extension to engage, the patent inverts the approach by using a rigid element where the recess itself provides the retention mechanism. The double floor's own structure (the recess) becomes the active element rather than requiring external elastic components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If elastic elements are used for retention, then the double floor can be held in inclined position, but frictional force causes surface deterioration and poor visual appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretention capabilityVSAvoidsurface deterioration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the elastic element that generates frictional force during engagement and disengagement. The rigid retention element eliminates the need for elastic deformation, thereby removing the source of frictional wear and surface deterioration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent converts the potential harm of friction into a benefit by designing a retention system where the rigid element engages with the recess through minimal contact. The retention surface geometry is optimized to reduce friction during position changes while maintaining secure retention when engaged.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP4488121A1Luggage compartment of a vehicle comprising a double floor, and method of retention and release of said double floor

Publication Date: 2025.01.08 SEAT SA

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a luggage compartment of a vehicle characterized in that the luggage compartment (100) comprises a rigid element (3) protruding with respect to a side wall and a double floor (200) comprising at least one through recess (1), located on at least one of the lateral ends (203) of the double floor (200) coincident with the at least one of the side walls where the rigid element (3) is disposed, configured to be traversed by the rigid element (3) in the displacement of the double floor (200) between the horizontal position and the inclined position, and a support surface (2), arranged on the inner face of the double floor (200), between the at least one recess (1) and the rear end (201) of the double floor (200), the support surface (2) being configured to contact the rigid element (3) in the inclined position.