Integrated Reinforcement for Spare Wheel Basket and Rear Flap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing the rear flap and storage basket for a spare wheel under a motor vehicle body are inefficient, particularly in maintaining the rear flap in the closed position and the basket in the folded position during vehicle progression, and there is a need to reduce costs and lighten the vehicle structure.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves reinforcing the vertical support of the securing rod on the rear floor using a secondary wing integrated into the main reinforcement, which simplifies the mounting of the hook device and enhances the retention of the basket in the folded position, reducing the number of parts and assembly operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If separate reinforcements are used for the striker plate and securing rod, then the structural strength is sufficient, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the striker plate reinforcement and securing rod support reinforcement into a single integrated reinforcement piece. This single component simultaneously provides support for the striker plate and the securing rod, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated reinforcement piece serves multiple functions: it reinforces the striker plate mounting area, provides support for the securing rod, and acts as a structural element for both the locking mechanism and the securing system. This multi-functional design reduces the total number of components needed in the assembly.
2Reliability
If multiple separate parts are used for mounting, then the structural support is adequate, but the assembly time and production cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple mounting support functions into a single integrated reinforcement piece, the patent reduces the number of assembly operations required. Installers need to mount one component rather than multiple separate reinforcements, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining adequate structural support for both the striker plate and securing rod.
3Reliability
If conventional separate reinforcements are used, then the mounting is secure, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces vehicle weight by eliminating redundant reinforcement components. The single integrated reinforcement piece replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate reinforcement elements, reducing the total material used while maintaining secure mounting for both the striker plate and securing rod through its multi-functional design.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a motor vehicle body comprising at least one rear floor (6). The body is equipped with a basket (5) for storing a spare wheel, which tilts under the body, and a rear flap (4) that can be locked in the closed position by means of a latch (7) located on the rear floor (6) via a main reinforcement member (17). The basket (5) engages with a hook device (9) fixed to the rear floor (6) by a tie rod (10) bearing against the rear floor (6) via a secondary reinforcement (20) formed by a wing (21) integrated into the main reinforcement (17).