Vehicle Front Trunk Access Structure With Cabin Transfer Port

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing vehicle trunk structures require users to stop and open the bonnet every time to access the trunk, which is inconvenient and may lead to issues like smell leakage and package slippage into the cabin.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle front part structure with a front trunk and a communication portion that allows packages to be housed from the vehicle cabin side, featuring tilted inner surfaces and fragile portions to absorb impact, preventing package movement and entry into the cabin during collisions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the trunk is accessed by opening the bonnet from outside the vehicle, then the trunk can be opened, but user convenience deteriorates because the user must stop the vehicle and exit to access the trunk

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveConvenience of accessing the trunkVSAvoidTime required to access the trunk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The trunk access system is segmented into two independent access paths: external access via bonnet opening and internal access via communication portion from the vehicle cabin. This allows users to choose the more convenient internal access method while preserving the external access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A communication portion is introduced as an intermediary structure connecting the vehicle cabin interior to the trunk. This intermediary allows packages and items to be transferred from the cabin to the trunk without requiring bonnet opening, thus eliminating the need to exit the vehicle for trunk access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the trunk is directly connected to the vehicle cabin, then easy access is achieved, but smell leakage from the trunk toward the vehicle cabin occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAccessibility of the trunkVSAvoidSmell leakage into the cabin
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is extracted as a separate controllable element that can independently open or close the communication portion between the cabin and trunk. When closed, it effectively extracts the potential污染源 (smell source) from the cabin environment while maintaining the structural connection for package transfer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid provides preliminary protection by closing the communication opening before any potential smell leakage can occur. This preliminary action prevents the harmful effect (smell leakage) from manifesting in the first place, rather than attempting to remove or neutralize smells after they have leaked.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If the trunk is directly connected to the vehicle cabin, then package transfer is simplified, but package slippage to the vehicle cabin side cannot be prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePackage transfer convenienceVSAvoidPackage containment in the trunk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lid is extracted as a separate controllable barrier that can independently close the communication opening. This extracted element provides reliable containment for packages during transfer operations, preventing slippage into the cabin while maintaining the structural connection for convenient package access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The lid acts as a flexible barrier that can open to allow package transfer and close to prevent package slippage. This thin film-like structure effectively separates the cabin and trunk spaces when closed, providing reliable package containment without requiring complex rigid sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of operation

If the inner bottom surface of the front trunk is tilted to facilitate package movement, then package transfer to the front trunk is easier, but a corner is formed that breaks and bends under impact load

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovePackage movement into the trunkVSAvoidImpact resistance of the trunk structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The tilted inner bottom surface is applied locally only to the extent needed to facilitate package movement, rather than extending it throughout the entire trunk structure. This localized application maintains the strength of the overall structure while providing the necessary package transfer assistance in the critical area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of tilting the entire trunk bottom surface (excessive action), only the necessary portion is tilted to achieve adequate package movement. This partial action provides sufficient functionality for package transfer while preserving the structural integrity and impact resistance of the full trunk assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

5Object-affected harmful factors

If fragile portions are provided in the wall portions of the front trunk, then impact force is absorbed and cabin protection is improved, but the structural strength is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveImpact protection for the cabinVSAvoidWall portion strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Fragile portions are pre-positioned in the wall structure to act as impact absorption zones. These predetermined weak points are designed to fail in a controlled manner during collision, absorbing impact energy before it can reach the cabin, thus providing beforehand cushioning against harmful impact forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The fragile portions convert the potentially harmful effect of structural rigidity (which would transmit impact force to the cabin) into a beneficial impact absorption mechanism. By intentionally creating controlled weakness points, the structure transforms impact energy into deformation of these fragile portions, protecting the cabin from the full force of collisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP4480790B1Vehicle front part structure
Publication Date: 2026.01.14 MAZDA MOTOR CORP
  • EP4480790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4480790B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4480790B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

[Problem] To improve convenience of a vehicle front part structure including a front trunk. [Means for Solution] A vehicle includes a front trunk 12, a glove box 11, and a communication portion 13. The front trunk 12 is disposed at a front part of the vehicle and has a housing space 12a can house a package. The glove box 11 is disposed at a front part of the vehicle, has a housing space 11a into and out of which a package can be taken, and is provided with a lid 11b that can open and close an opening. The communication portion 13 has a communication space 13a providing communication between the housing space 12a of the front trunk 12 and the housing space 11a of the glove box 11.