Foldable Vehicle Storage Modules for Space Optimization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage solutions lack modularity and flexibility, particularly in vehicles with living spaces, where secondary bunks are often unused and not easily convertible into storage compartments, limiting the ability to optimize space and add other equipment like ovens or features.
Innovation Solution
A foldable and modular storage arrangement comprising storage modules with vertical side walls and a front wall, which can be fastened using various means such as zips, snaps, or straps, allowing for adjustable storage volumes and the ability to combine or separate modules, with optional additional fixation elements for securing to vehicle supports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a secondary bunk is provided in a vehicle living space, then sleeping capacity is improved, but space flexibility and storage optimization are worsened when the bunk is not always used
Solution Approach 1:
The bunk is designed to be foldable and movable between different positions (sleeping position against the rear window, storage position folded against the cabin wall, and intermediate positions). This dynamic design allows the same structure to serve multiple functions: sleeping when needed and storage when not needed, thereby improving space flexibility without requiring multiple fixed structures
Solution Approach 2:
The bunk structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serve as a sleeping bunk when folded against the rear window, as a storage compartment when folded against the cabin wall, and potentially as a shelf or divider in intermediate positions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated sleeping and storage structures, improving adaptability while managing complexity
2Volume of stationary object
If the secondary bunk is folded against the cabin wall to create storage space, then storage capacity is improved, but intermediate modularity and partial bunk availability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The bunk can be positioned at multiple locations along its folding path, not just at the two extreme positions (fully extended for sleeping, fully folded for storage). This allows intermediate positions where part of the bunk remains accessible while part is folded, enabling partial bunk availability and intermediate modularity configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The bunk structure can be divided into segments that can be independently positioned or accessed. When folded partially, different sections of the bunk serve different functions, allowing users to have both sleeping and storage functionality simultaneously in a modular fashion
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed storage compartments are installed in the vehicle, then storage organization is improved, but modularity and the ability to reconfigure space are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixed, rigid storage compartments, the invention uses a dynamic bunk structure that can be folded and repositioned. This allows the storage spaces to be reconfigured easily by folding the bunk to different positions, maintaining organization through the structured folding mechanism while enabling full reconfiguration capability when needed
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a foldable and modular storage arrangement comprising one or more storage modules, which can be independently compacted or deployed. Each storage module comprises side walls and a supple front wall, which is folded when the side walls are compacted close to each other.