Integrated Vehicle Luggage Hook Trim Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing luggage restraints in motor vehicles, such as retrofitted hooks, often fail to securely contain produce due to lack of resilience, visibility issues, snagging, and increased complexity and cost, while also potentially damaging the vehicle surface and compromising sound quality.

Innovation Solution

A hook integrated into vehicle trim pieces, where the retaining member is part of one trim and the backing plate is part of another, providing a closure and reducing parts, with a design that minimizes sound ingress and aesthetic impact, and is economically efficient.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If retrofitted hooks are used to hold bags, then the bag shape is maintained and contents are prevented from escaping, but the hook or surface may become detached and damage the vehicle surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag containment reliabilityVSAvoidvehicle surface damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is merged with the vehicle trim panel as an integral feature rather than a separate retrofitted component. The trim panel itself forms the hook structure, eliminating the need for separate hook attachments and their associated mounting hardware that could detach and cause damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The hook is designed as a simple, inexpensive feature integrated into the trim panel that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than a complex, expensive retrofitted system. The design prioritizes simplicity and integration over durability of separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If retrofitted hooks are installed in the luggage area, then bag retention is improved, but the appearance of the vehicle is adversely affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebag retentionVSAvoidvehicle appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is combined with the vehicle trim panel as an integral feature, making it indistinguishable from the surrounding trim. This integration ensures the hook blends seamlessly with the vehicle's interior design, maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing functional bag retention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If hooks are provided in the luggage area, then bag containment is improved, but hooks can snag on other parts of the vehicle such as folded seats

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduce containmentVSAvoidsnagging on vehicle parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is positioned at a specific location on the trim panel that is optimized to avoid snagging on folded seats or other vehicle parts. The local geometry and placement are carefully designed to provide effective bag containment while clearancing moving components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Object-affected harmful factors

If moving parts are used in foldable hooks, then snagging is prevented, but squeaks and rattles occur which reduce vehicle quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesnagging preventionVSAvoidsqueaks and rattles
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The hook is designed as a simple, fixed feature without moving parts, accepting minor cosmetic wear over time rather than incorporating complex mechanisms. This eliminates squeaks and rattles while providing sufficient functionality for the application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP2062783B1Improvements in or relating to luggage restraints
Publication Date: 2014.03.05 NISSAN MOTOR MFG (UK) LTD
  • EP2062783B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2062783B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2062783B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A hook is provided for use in a vehicle. The hook comprises a retaining member configured to hold the handles of a bag, in use; and a backing plate mounted behind the retaining member. The retaining member is an integral part of a first piece of vehicle trim; and the backing plate is an integral part of a second piece of vehicle trim.