Foldable Loading Space Cover Guide System and Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loading space arrangements for motor vehicles fail to adapt effectively to differently shaped loads, often obstructing the driver's view and not providing adequate safety features, especially in the event of a crash, and can be cumbersome to handle and secure.

Innovation Solution

A foldable loading space cover with a guide system and locking mechanism that allows the cover to pivot into a stowed position, uncoupling from the guide system for secure storage and protection of the roof liner, enabling better adaptation to various load sizes and preventing accidental drops or damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a foldable loading space cover is used to adapt to differently shaped loads, then adaptability is improved, but the cover may accidentally drop or obstruct the driver's view when not properly secured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptation to differently shaped loadsVSAvoidsecure positioning of cover

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The guide system performs preliminary action by guiding the loading space cover into the folded position before the locking mechanism engages. The guide rails and guide elements ensure the cover is properly positioned and aligned prior to locking, preventing accidental drops and ensuring reliable securing in the adapted configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide system acts as an intermediary between the loading space cover and the locking mechanism. It mediates the movement and positioning of the cover, ensuring smooth transition to the folded position and proper engagement with the locking mechanism, thereby enhancing both adaptability and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism is added to secure the cover, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure positioning of coverVSAvoidstructure with guide system and lock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide system and locking mechanism are merged into an integrated assembly where the guide rails, guide elements, and lock work together as a unified system. This combination reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining enhanced reliability and secure positioning capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the loading space cover is folded to accommodate bulky loads, then adaptability is improved, but the cover may damage the roof liner or fall accidentally

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of bulky loadsVSAvoiddamage to roof liner or accidental drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide system provides beforehand cushioning by controlling the movement of the loading space cover during folding. The guide rails and guide elements prevent abrupt movements or impacts that could damage the roof liner, ensuring a smooth and controlled transition to the folded position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Reliability

If the cover is made fixed to prevent dropping, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome handling

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of accidental dropsVSAvoidhandling of cover

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The loading space cover transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic movable state through the guide system and locking mechanism. The cover can be easily folded and unfolded along the guide rails, then securely locked in place, providing both ease of operation and prevention of accidental drops through its dynamic design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10688934B2Loading space arrangement for a motor vehicle

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 DR ING H C F PORSCHE AG

AI summary

A loading space arrangement for a motor vehicle includes a foldable loading space cover configured to cover a loading space in a covering position of the loading space cover; a guide system configured to guide the loading space cover between the covering position and a folded-together folded position of the loading space cover; and a lock configured to lock the loading space cover at a height which is vertically spaced apart from the guide system. The guide system is further configured to uncouple the loading space cover from the guide system in the folded position. The lock is further configured to pivot the loading space cover from the folded position into a stowed position.