Extendable Vehicle Storage Cover With Guided Multi-Position Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle sub-floor storage covers lack flexibility and functionality, limiting their use as additional workspace or seating in extended positions.
Innovation Solution
A cover system for vehicle sub-floor storage that includes guides and followers to transition between closed, extended, and open positions, allowing for extended use as a seating or table surface, with retention features to maintain position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed sub-floor storage cover is used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but flexibility and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one that can assume multiple positions (closed, extended, open) through interaction with guide members, allowing it to adapt to different functional requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is designed to perform multiple functions by extending beyond the storage area to provide additional workspace or seating surface, while the same cover also serves as a closure for the storage compartment when in the closed position
2Adaptability or versatility
If guides and followers are added to enable movement, then flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Guide members secured to the vehicle body act as intermediaries that constrain and direct the movement of the cover, enabling controlled transitions between positions without requiring complex actuation mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The cover utilizes gravity and user-applied force to move along the guide paths defined by the guide members, eliminating the need for motors, hydraulics, or other powered mechanisms to achieve position transitions
3Reliability
If retention features are added, then position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retention features automatically engage with the guide members when the cover reaches extended or open positions, providing passive position locking without requiring additional actuators or control systems
Data Source
AI summary
A cover is configured to cover the sub-floor storage area of a vehicle and defines at least part of a load floor over the sub-floor storage area. Guides are secured to the vehicle body and define paths configured to guide movement of the cover between: a closed position in which the cover extends over the sub-floor storage area; an extended position in which the cover remains engaged with the guides and extends outward from the vehicle body; and an open position in which the cover is pivoted upwardly relative to the closed position. The guides may be grooves formed in the vehicle body and followers secure to the cover and are configured to engage the guides, such as rollers or slides. The guides may each include a first portion defining a path to the extended position, a second portion in which the followers seat when in the closed position.