Free Floating Cover Panel for Vehicle Storage Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cover panels for motor vehicle storage areas often interfere with the rear seats and side panels, limiting the accessibility and volume of the storage space, as they require support from these structures for stability, which restricts the expansion of the storage area when the rear loading flap is opened.
Innovation Solution
A cover panel connected exclusively to the rear loading flap via releasable connecting elements along its side edges, allowing it to float freely without support from the side panels or rear seats, thereby increasing storage area volume and opening when the rear loading flap is closed, and allowing vertical spacing above the rear seat when opened.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the cover panel is supported by side panels or rear seats for stability, then the cover panel maintains stable position, but the storage area volume and accessibility are reduced due to interference with rear seats and side panels
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is extracted from the traditional support structure that relies on side panels and rear seats. Instead, it is connected exclusively to the rear loading flap through releasable connecting elements, removing the interfering support structures and enabling full storage area volume while maintaining stability through the loading flap connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear loading flap serves multiple functions: it provides access to the storage area and simultaneously serves as the exclusive support structure for the cover panel. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate support structures like side panels or rear seat connections, resolving the contradiction between stability and storage volume.
2Ease of operation
If the cover panel is connected to rear loading flap exclusively via releasable connecting elements, then the storage area volume and accessibility are increased, but the cover panel requires additional mechanism for stable positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel transitions from a fixed support structure to a dynamic, freely movable panel connected by releasable connecting elements. This allows the cover panel to be easily positioned and removed, greatly improving accessibility and ease of operation while the releasable connections provide sufficient stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into multiple releasable connecting elements distributed along the side edges of the cover panel. This segmentation allows for flexible attachment and detachment while distributing the mechanical load, reducing the complexity of any single connection point while maintaining overall stability.
3Volume of stationary object
If the cover panel is positioned to maximize storage area when rear loading flap is closed, then the storage height is increased, but the cover panel may interfere with rear seat when flap is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is designed as a dynamic structure that changes position based on the rear loading flap state. When the flap is closed, the panel extends to maximize storage height. When the flap is opened, the panel automatically pivots and spaces vertically above the rear seat, eliminating interference while maintaining the expanded storage configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover panel utilizes vertical spacing as an additional dimension to resolve the interference problem. Instead of horizontally interfering with the rear seat when the flap is opened, the panel moves into the vertical space above the rear seat, maintaining storage volume while avoiding harmful interference with occupied space.
Data Source
AI summary
A cover panel for a storage area of a motor vehicle, and a corresponding method, is disclosed. An example motor vehicle includes, among other things, a rear loading flap providing access to a storage area, and a cover panel connected to the rear loading flap such that, when the rear loading flap is in a closed position, the cover panel provides an upper boundary of the storage area and is supported solely by the rear loading flap.