Flipper Panel Housing With T-Shaped Spring Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flipper panel systems for vehicles fail to provide a space-saving and robust solution between occupant seats and cargo devices, lacking effective mechanisms for secure installation and stability.
Innovation Solution
A flipper panel system featuring a 'T' shaped flat spring and housing with multiple walls forming a 'T' shaped feature, along with a living hinge, is designed for secure placement between the occupant seat and cargo device, utilizing a carpet and plastic layer for enhanced stability and retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If traditional flipper panel systems are used between occupant seats and cargo devices, then installation is simpler, but space efficiency and robustness are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into multiple walls (first wall, second wall, third wall, fourth wall) that form separate retention features. Each wall segment contributes to holding a corresponding segment of the flat spring, distributing the retention function across multiple structural elements rather than a single monolithic component.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat spring is nested within the housing structure, with the spring's T-shaped cross-section fitting into the T-shaped retention features formed by the walls. The spring is positioned within the enclosed space defined by the walls, creating a nested configuration that maximizes space utilization while maintaining structural integrity.
2Reliability
If a robust retention mechanism is implemented, then stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple walls are merged into a single integrated housing structure. The first, second, third, and fourth walls are formed as one piece, combining multiple retention functions into a single component that reduces the total number of parts while maintaining the robust retention mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support between the seat and cargo device, retains the flat spring through its T-shaped features, and maintains the spatial relationship between components. The same walls that form the housing also create the retention features, eliminating the need for separate retention components.
3Strength
If multiple walls are used to hold the flat spring, then retention strength increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple walls forming the T-shaped retention features are merged into a single housing component manufactured as one piece. This integration maintains the high retention strength provided by multiple walls while simplifying manufacturing by eliminating the need to assemble multiple separate wall components.
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 a robust and space-efficient solution with improved stability and reduced stress concentration, ensuring secure placement and increased durability of the flipper panel.
Implementation Method 1
The flat spring is configured to be disposed between the occupant seat and the cargo device
Implementation Method 2
the flipper panel further includes a living hinge formed into the housing
Data Source
AI summary
In various embodiments, seating systems and provided for vehicles that include an occupant seat, a cargo device, and a flipper panel. The flipper panel is disposed between the occupant seat and the cargo device. The flipper panel includes a flat spring and a housing. The housing is configured to be disposed between the occupant seat and the cargo device, and includes a plurality of walls configured to hold the flat spring in place against the housing when the flipper panel is installed in the seating system for the vehicle.