Dynamic Load Floor with Swing Arm Assembly for Cargo Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a user-friendly, simple, and cost-effective cargo management system for motor vehicles that can be easily configured to act as a load floor, shelf, or bulkhead to secure and protect cargo from rolling and rattling during vehicle operation.
Innovation Solution
A cargo management system comprising a dynamic load floor and a swing arm assembly that allows for multiple configurations, including a storage tub, pivotable hooks for support, flipper panels, and a flip-up shelf bulkhead, enabling the dynamic load floor to be positioned as a divider, partition, or shelf, and a cargo storage door for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cargo management system provides multiple configurations to act as load floor, shelf or bulkhead, then cargo security and versatility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic load floor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can act as a load floor covering the storage tub, a shelf positioned above the storage tub, or a bulkhead positioned vertically. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate cargo management components, thereby improving versatility while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The load floor is made movable through the swing arm assembly, allowing it to dynamically transition between different positions and orientations. The swing arm mechanism enables the load floor to pivot between a horizontal position (covering the tub), an elevated position (forming a shelf), and a vertical position (forming a bulkhead), providing adaptability without requiring multiple fixed components.
2Reliability
If a dynamic load floor with swing arm assembly is used to provide multiple configurations, then cargo protection is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo management system is divided into separate functional components: the storage tub, the dynamic load floor, the swing arm assembly, and the projection-notch mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using standard processes, and then assembled together, which can reduce overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to creating a single integrated complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The swing arm assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the storage tub and the dynamic load floor, enabling the load floor to achieve multiple positions without requiring complex integrated mechanisms. The projection-notch system serves as a simple intermediary locking mechanism that holds the load floor in predetermined positions, providing reliable cargo protection through straightforward mechanical means.
3Stability of the object's composition
If projections and notches are used to hold the swing arm and load floor in a single plane, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The projection-notch system is designed to automatically align and lock the swing arm and load floor into a single plane through the natural geometry of the components. When the load floor is installed, the projections on the swing arm automatically engage with the notches on the load floor, self-aligning the components without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms or complex assembly procedures.
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 system provides enhanced cargo security and versatility by allowing multiple configurations, securing cargo and preventing damage, while maintaining a user-friendly and cost-effective manufacturing process.
Implementation Method 1
The swing arm assembly includes a first swing arm having a first end pivotally connected to a first anchor point on the storage tub and a second end pivotally connected to a first edge of the dynamic load floor
Implementation Method 2
the dynamic load floor includes a first projection on the first edge and the first swing arm includes a first open notch receiving the first projection whereby the first swing arm and the dynamic load floor are held in a single plane
Implementation Method 3
the first projection is received in the first hook and the second projection is received in the second hook. In this manner the hooks function to support the dynamic load floor as a shelf through the sidewalls of the cargo area
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo management system is provided for a storage area of a motor vehicle. That cargo management system includes a dynamic load floor, a storage tub and a swing arm assembly connecting the dynamic load floor to the storage tub and allowing the dynamic load floor to be selectively positioned into multiple configurations.