Hinged Support Member for Space-Saving Vehicle Divider Stowage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support members for vehicle components, such as gas struts, occupy valuable packaging space and are expensive to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A support member comprising a first and second support element with strengthening ribs, a hingeable coupling, and a biasing mechanism that allows for deployment and stowage, optimizing space usage and reducing manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional support members (e.g., gas struts) are used to support space dividing apparatuses, then the support function is reliable, but valuable packaging space is occupied and manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to nest within itself when stowed, with the second support element containing the first support element in a telescopic arrangement. This nesting principle dramatically reduces the packaging volume required while maintaining the support function when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member transitions between static stowed and deployed states through a hinge mechanism, allowing it to adapt its volume dynamically. When not in use, it occupies minimal space; when needed, it extends to provide full support functionality.
2Reliability
If traditional support members (e.g., gas struts) are used to support space dividing apparatuses, then the support function is reliable, but manufacturing costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is divided into multiple discrete support elements (first and second support elements) that can be manufactured separately using injection molding and then assembled. This segmentation allows for simpler, more cost-effective manufacturing compared to traditional gas struts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical systems (gas struts with pressurized gas chambers) with a simpler mechanical linkage system using hinged support elements. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive gas-filled components while maintaining support functionality.
3Volume of stationary object
If the support member is designed to fold between coplanar and orthogonal positions, then space utilization is optimized, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into the hinge mechanism: it provides the rotation axis for folding, structural connection between support elements, and defines the geometric relationship (orthogonal/coplanar positions) through its design. This consolidation reduces overall structural complexity despite the folding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member transitions from a two-dimensional coplanar configuration to a three-dimensional orthogonal configuration through rotation about the hinge axis. This dimensional change enables compact stowage while maintaining full support capability, optimizing space utilization without excessive complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A support member for a space dividing apparatus, the support member comprising: a first support element comprising a first support strengthening rib; a second support element comprising a second support strengthening rib; and a support hinge arranged to hingeably couple the first and second support elements and having a support hinge axis, wherein the support apparatus is hingeable between: a deployed condition in which the first support strengthening rib is substantially coplanar in a first plane with the second support strengthening rib; and a stowed condition in which the first support strengthening rib is spaced from and substantially coplanar in a second plane with the second support strengthening rib, wherein the second plane is orthogonal to the first plane.