Hinged Load Floor with Recessed Hooks for Grocery Bag Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo storage solutions in vehicles often result in unstable storage of grocery bags, leading to tipping and spillage during travel, and can obstruct expanded load floors when folded, especially when combined with foldable rear seats.

Innovation Solution

A recessed secondary load floor with a hinged primary load floor that folds upwards, exposing hooks for securing grocery bags, providing a secure and even load floor without obstructing the expanded load area, and utilizing injection-molded hinges for cost-effective and reliable assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a support device is attached in the cargo area for cargo receiving means, then cargo storage stability is improved, but the device occupies space adjacent to the vehicle partition and obstructs expanded load floor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo storage stabilityVSAvoidexpanded load floor area
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The support device is divided into two main segments: a first support element that attaches to the vehicle structure and a second support element that can be positioned and secured within the cargo area. This segmentation allows the device to provide stable cargo support while being collapsible to minimize space occupation when not in use, thus not obstructing the expanded load floor area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support device incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow it to transition between an operational configuration (providing cargo stability) and a collapsed configuration (minimizing space occupation). The dynamic nature of the device enables it to adapt to different cargo storage needs while clearing the path for expanded load floor utilization when not actively supporting cargo.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a folding box container is attached within the cargo area, then cargo receiving capability is improved, but a step is created that prevents large objects from being laid flat

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo receiving capabilityVSAvoidload floor flatness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the cargo support function from a fixed floor-mounted structure and relocates it to a separate, movable support device that can be positioned as needed. This allows the main load floor to remain flat and uninterrupted, while the extracted support function is provided by the adjustable support elements that can be configured to support cargo without creating permanent obstacles on the load floor surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of adding vertical height (creating a step on the load floor), the support device utilizes the third dimension by extending support elements upward from a low-profile base attachment. This dimensional approach allows cargo support functionality to be added without compromising the flatness of the load floor surface, as the support structure rises vertically rather than protruding horizontally into the cargo space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If hooks are provided on the support device for securing grocery bags, then cargo security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo securityVSAvoidsupport device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hooks are integrated directly into the existing support elements of the device, merging the cargo securing function with the structural support components. This integration approach allows hooks to be provided on the support device without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the hooks are incorporated as part of the support element fabrication rather than being separate附加 components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2578453B1Stow away luggage load floor with grocery bag holding properties
Publication Date: 2018.01.03 VOLVO CAR CORP
  • EP2578453B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2578453B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2578453B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments herein relate to an arrangement (1) for storing cargo, especially grocery bags having handles, within a vehicle. Above a secondary load floor (2) is arranged a primary load floor (3a, 3b) comprising a first (3a) and a second floor section (3b). The first floor section (3a) is hinged by first hinges (4) at a first edge (3a1) thereof and the second floor section (3b) is hinged to the first floor section (3a) by second hinges (5) at a second edge (3a2) thereof. The first floor section (3a) is foldable from a stowed position essentially parallel with said secondary load (2) floor upwards about said first hinges (4) such that the second floor section (3b) is brought therewith and folds downwards about said second hinges (5) to an essentially upright operating position, in which it is attachable to retaining means (6). The second hinges (5) have hooks (5a), which protrude upwards therefrom in the operating position, and the hooks (5a) rest recessed flush with said primary load floor (3a, 3b) in the stowed position.