EV Frunk Load Floor Sensing for Overload Damage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
The limited cargo space in electric vehicle front trunks (frunks) poses risks of damage to stored objects and the load floor due to overloading, necessitating a solution to prevent such damage.
Innovation Solution
A load sensor system coupled to the frunk load floor generates a signal when the load exceeds a threshold, triggering visual and auditory alerts and potentially preventing the trunk door from closing, ensuring safe loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the frunk cargo space is increased to provide more storage capacity, then the storage capability is improved, but the risk of overloading and damage to the load floor and stored objects increases
Solution Approach 1:
The load sensor system performs preliminary detection of the cargo weight before the vehicle operates with the loaded frunk. The controller receives the load signal from the sensor and compares it against a predetermined threshold, generating an alert before the overload condition causes damage to the load floor or stored objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the load sensor continuously monitors the cargo weight and sends signals to the controller. The controller then provides feedback to the operator through visual or audible alerts when the load exceeds the safe threshold, enabling the operator to adjust the cargo loading accordingly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the frunk is designed with limited cargo space to prevent overloading, then the damage risk is reduced, but the storage capability and customer utility are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frunk load monitoring system provides self-service by automatically detecting and monitoring the cargo load through the integrated load sensor and controller. The system independently evaluates whether the cargo weight is within safe limits and generates appropriate alerts without requiring manual intervention or external monitoring devices.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a load monitoring system is added to detect overloading conditions, then the protection against damage is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The load sensor system is designed to be integrated into the existing frunk structure, serving multiple functions: detecting cargo weight, comparing it against safety thresholds, and providing operator alerts. The controller can potentially serve additional vehicle functions, reducing the need for separate dedicated systems and minimizing overall device complexity.
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
Prevents damage to the vehicle and stored items by alerting the operator to overloading conditions, thereby maintaining the structural integrity of the frunk and its contents.
Implementation Method 1
a load sensor coupled to the frunk load floor that generates a load signal corresponding to a load on the load floor
Data Source
AI summary
A front trunk system for an automotive vehicle a front trunk system for an automotive vehicle having a front trunk door and a frunk load floor includes a load sensor coupled to the frunk load floor that generates a load signal corresponding to a load on the load floor. The system further includes a controller coupled to the load sensor controlling an indicator when the load is greater than a load threshold.