Vehicle Floor Lid Overlap Prevents Cargo Theft
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo space arrangements for station wagons and similar vehicles fail to effectively prevent access to storage compartments below the load floor, as they either occupy valuable space, are difficult to install and remove, or do not function with non-sloped vehicle designs, and lack robust security features.
Innovation Solution
A cargo space arrangement featuring a load floor lid that extends below the vehicle door when closed, preventing access by overlapping with the door, and utilizing a hinge and gas spring mechanism for easy operation, along with a secure attachment system to resist forced opening, allowing for private locking without occupying main cargo space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a compartmentalizer unit is installed to prevent access to storage compartments, then security is improved, but cargo space is reduced and access to lower storage compartments is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The floor lid extends in the vertical dimension below the door closing line, creating a security barrier without occupying horizontal cargo space. This dimensional approach allows the lid to overlap with the door when closed, preventing access to the storage compartment below while maintaining full cargo space availability.
2Reliability
If a compartmentalizer unit is used to secure storage, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to installation and removal requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The floor lid utilizes the existing door and hinge mechanisms to provide security, eliminating the need for separate locking systems or complex installation procedures. The lid's overlap with the door when closed creates the security barrier using already-present vehicle structures.
3Reliability
If a package tray is installed to conceal luggage, then security is improved, but cargo space is significantly reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The security function is achieved in the vertical dimension through the floor lid extending below the door closing line, rather than occupying horizontal space with a package tray. This allows the main cargo space to remain fully accessible and unobstructed.
4Reliability
If a floor lid extending below the door is used, then security is improved and cargo space is maintained, but the lid requires strong structural integrity to resist forced opening
Solution Approach 1:
The floor lid is integrated with the door structure through overlapping when closed, combining the lid and door into a unified security barrier. This merging allows the door's existing strength to contribute to protecting the storage compartment below.
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is designed to extend below the door closing line in advance, creating a pre-positioned security barrier that prevents forced opening attempts before they can reach the storage compartment. The overlap is built into the design to anticipate and prevent access attempts.
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
This solution provides a secure, space-efficient private storage compartment that prevents 'smash-and-grab' thefts and allows for private locking without requiring seat upright positions, using minimal additional components and maintaining structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a hinge and gas spring mechanism for easy operation
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo space arrangement for a vehicle comprising a main cargo space positioned inside a vehicle door, a load floor forming a lower area of the main cargo space, and a floor lid arranged in the load floor. The floor lid being arranged to conceal a storage compartment located below the floor lid. The floor lid comprises a first, upwardly openable end that faces the vehicle door and a second, opposite end that, at least when the floor lid is in a closed position, is firmly attached to the vehicle. The first end of the floor lid extends below at least a part of the vehicle door when both the floor lid and the vehicle door are in a closed position such that the floor lid is prevented from being opened when the vehicle door is closed.