Folding Double Floor Hinge Layout for Load Support and Grip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding double floors face issues with sagging under heavy loads, complex folding mechanisms, and uncomfortable handling due to the use of teeth for load distribution, which can lead to breakage and user injury.
Innovation Solution
A folding double floor design with alternating teeth and housings along the hinge line, allowing for comfortable one-handed handling and preventing sagging, featuring a central section free of teeth and housings for secure grip and efficient folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If teeth are used along the entire hinge line to distribute loads, then the double floor can support heavy loads without sagging, but the handling becomes uncomfortable and teeth may break under user force
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge line is segmented into two functional zones: teeth and housings are distributed alternately along the hinge line, creating discrete load distribution points rather than continuous contact. This segmentation allows the structure to bear heavy loads through multiple tooth-housing interfaces while leaving gaps that facilitate comfortable hand placement and gripping during handling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the hinge line are given different properties: areas with teeth provide enhanced load support and anti-sagging capability, while areas with housings provide smooth surfaces for comfortable handling. The alternating distribution creates local zones optimized for either load bearing or user comfort depending on the operational phase.
2Ease of operation
If teeth and housings are distributed alternately along the hinge line, then handling comfort is improved with one-handed operation, but the load distribution mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The tooth and housing features are merged into a single integrated structure along the hinge line, where both elements are formed as part of the same double floor assembly. This combining approach simplifies manufacturing and assembly compared to separate components, while the alternating pattern maintains the benefits of both load distribution and handling comfort.
3Device complexity
If the double floor is designed as a single unit, then the structure is simpler, but it cannot be folded to access the lower compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The double floor transitions from a static single-unit structure to a dynamic folded structure. The hinge line with alternating teeth and housings serves as the folding axis, allowing the double floor to rotate and fold against the compartment wall. This dynamic capability enables access to the lower compartment while maintaining structural integrity through the tooth-housing engagement mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
This invention refers to a double folding floor (100) for a cargo compartment of a vehicle comprising a first body (110) and a second body (120), with two main surfaces substantially parallel therebetween, and a respective connecting end (113, 123), arranged opposite therebetween, connected by connecting means (101); wherein the first and second bodies (110, 120) comprise a set of teeth (114, 124) configured to couple with a respective set of housings (115, 125) of the adjacent first or second body (110, 120) in the working position, characterized in that the teeth (114, 124) and the housings (115, 125) are distributed in an alternate manner along the hinge line (103) thereby defining a central section (104) that is free of teeth (114, 124) and housings (115, 125), and the method for obtaining it.