Foldable Shelf With Gas Spring Mechanism for Commercial Vehicles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Folding shelves for commercial vehicles face challenges in being lightweight, compact when deactivated, adaptable to different vehicle designs, and meeting load securing standards, due to varying dimensions and curved side walls.

Innovation Solution

The folding shelf is designed to partially dip into the depth area between pillars when folded, using a longitudinal tube for attachment to the vehicle's structure, with modular shelf profiles and a gas pressure spring mechanism for easy installation and adjustment, and includes load securing features like rubber profiles and undercut grooves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If folding shelves are made lightweight, then payload capacity is improved, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight of folding shelfVSAvoidstability of folding shelf

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material construction for the folding shelf components, combining materials with different properties to achieve optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The shelf body uses lightweight yet rigid composite structures that maintain stability while reducing overall weight, directly resolving the contradiction between lightweight design and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The folding shelf is divided into multiple modular segments including collapsible side walls, detachable shelves, and segmented support structures. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently for weight reduction while maintaining overall system stability through modular reconfiguration and distribution of structural loads across multiple elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If folding shelves are designed to be compact when deactivated, then loading space is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle designs deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading space when deactivatedVSAvoidadaptability to different commercial vehicle designs

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The folding shelf incorporates dynamic, movable components including collapsible side walls that can fold parallel to vehicle walls, adjustable shelf positions, and reconfigurable support structures. These dynamic elements allow the shelf to transform between compact deactivated state and expanded activated state, optimizing loading space while adapting to various vehicle interior dimensions and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The folding shelf design incorporates universal mounting mechanisms and standardized connection interfaces that enable installation across different commercial vehicle models. The modular components can be configured in multiple arrangements to suit various loading requirements and vehicle geometries, providing multi-functionality that addresses both compact storage and adaptability requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If folding shelves are made to adapt to different vehicle designs, then versatility is improved, but device complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different commercial vehicle typesVSAvoidcomplexity of folding shelf structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folding shelf is constructed from standardized modular segments with uniform connection interfaces and mounting mechanisms. This segmentation into interchangeable components allows versatility across different vehicle types to be achieved through simple reconfiguration rather than complex custom designs, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Universal mounting brackets and standardized connection elements are employed throughout the folding shelf structure, enabling the same basic design to be installed in various commercial vehicle models without requiring complex vehicle-specific modifications. This universality achieves versatility through simplicity rather than complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution allows for a lightweight, space-efficient folding shelf that can be easily adapted to various commercial vehicle types while providing effective load securing, ensuring stability and preventing cargo shifting.

Implementation Method 1

gas pressure spring mechanism for easy installation and adjustment

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas pressure spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

a rubber profile can protrude from the upper end of the upwardly projecting leg of this front profile, which causes increased friction in relation to a load sliding over it

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2581264B1Foldable shelf

Publication Date: 2019.06.12 SOMMER GMBH

Figure 1a~1b
Figure 1c
Figure 2

AI summary

The folding shelf (1) has several spaced columns (2) provided in the running direction (10) of shelf in upright state. The shelf portions (3) are attached to columns in running direction in a state hinged around pivot axis (9) between activated and disabled positions by folding fixture (5). An independent claim is included for toolkit for manufacture of folding shelf.