Hinged Cargo Floor Panels for Concealed Trunk Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle trunks are inadequate for securely storing diverse cargo types, as they fail to prevent items from rolling or falling, and lack reconfigurability to ensure safety and security, with visible items increasing theft risks.
Innovation Solution
A cargo storage assembly featuring a system with interlocking panels and a hinge mechanism that allows the second panel to rotate vertically, exposing an underfloor compartment, forming a retaining wall, and adjusting to different configurations to maximize space and conceal items, while obstructing external views.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional trunk is used for cargo storage, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but items can roll around or fall out when the trunk is opened, increasing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo storage system is divided into multiple segments: a first panel forming part of the cargo load floor, a second panel that can rotate relative to the first panel, and a third panel. These segmented panels can be independently positioned and configured to create different storage arrangements, preventing cargo from rolling or falling while maintaining structural manageability.
Solution Approach 2:
The second panel is connected to the first panel via a hinge mechanism, allowing it to rotate between a horizontal position (forming cargo load floor) and a vertical position (forming retaining wall). This dynamic reconfiguration capability enables the structure to adapt to different cargo types and secure loads effectively without requiring a completely complex fixed structure.
2Reliability
If the trunk is opened to access cargo, then cargo can be easily accessed, but items may fall out increasing damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable second panel dynamically transforms from a horizontal cargo load floor to a vertical retaining wall when rotated 90 degrees. This allows the same structure to serve dual purposes: providing a loading surface when horizontal and preventing cargo from falling when vertical, eliminating the need to open the trunk to access secured cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel's orientation parameter is changed from horizontal to vertical to transform its function. When the second panel is rotated to a vertical orientation, it forms a retaining wall that contains cargo, preventing it from falling out even when the trunk is opened for access.
3Reliability
If items are stored in the trunk, then cargo capacity is utilized, but visible items increase theft risk
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is segmented into multiple panels that can be independently positioned. The second panel can be rotated to a vertical position to form a retaining wall that creates a concealed storage space, hiding items from external view while maintaining organized storage configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The second panel transitions from a horizontal plane (cargo load floor) to a vertical plane (retaining wall), utilizing the vertical dimension to create concealed storage spaces. This dimensional change allows items to be hidden behind or within the vertical panel structure, reducing visibility from outside the vehicle.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the trunk structure is fixed, then manufacturing is simple, but it cannot be reconfigured to adapt to different cargo types
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism enables the second panel to dynamically rotate between horizontal and vertical positions, allowing the storage configuration to adapt to different cargo types. When horizontal, it provides cargo load floor; when vertical, it forms retaining wall for secured storage, offering versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The second panel serves multiple functions: it can be positioned horizontally to form part of the cargo load floor for general cargo, rotated vertically to form a retaining wall for secured storage, and configured in intermediate positions for different cargo arrangements. This multi-functionality provides adaptability to various cargo types using a single reconfigurable component.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, apparatuses, and systems are described for a cargo storage assembly. The system includes a first panel, a second panel, an overlap, and a hinge. The hinge is configured to rotate the second panel to a vertical orientation with respect to the first panel to expose an underfloor compartment. The first panel has a groove proximate to the second panel that extends along a top surface of the first panel. The second panel has a protrusion proximate to the first panel that extends along a bottom surface of the second panel. The protrusion of the second panel corresponds in size to the groove of the first panel. The overlap is formed between the groove and the protrusion with the first panel and the second panel in a horizontal configuration.