Vehicle Load Floor Support Member for Automatic Cargo Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing moveable load floors in vehicles that can sufficiently support cargo weight while being unobtrusively stowed when not in use is challenging, as they may deform under load and require complex actuation systems.
Innovation Solution
A support device with a base fixed to the vehicle and a rotatable support member that automatically moves between retracted and load positions based on the load floor's movement, using a biasing component to ensure the load floor is supported when raised and hidden when lowered, distributing load forces and preventing deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a moveable load floor is designed to be stowed unobtrusively when not in use, then the device complexity is reduced and the design is more compact, but the load floor may deform under cargo weight and require complex actuation systems to provide sufficient support
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to dynamically change position between a retracted state (when the load floor is in the first position) and an extended state (when the load floor is in the second position). This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide structural support only when needed, eliminating the need for continuously complex actuation systems while maintaining load-bearing capability during cargo transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member automatically transitions between retracted and extended positions in response to the load floor's movement, without requiring external actuators or control systems. The system self-regulates its support function based on the operational state of the load floor, simplifying the overall actuation mechanism while ensuring adequate structural support when cargo is present.
2Strength
If the support member is extended to support the load floor in the second position, then the load support capability is improved, but the device occupies more space and becomes less unobtrusive when stowed
Solution Approach 1:
The support member transitions from a retracted configuration (minimizing space occupation when the load floor is stowed in the first position) to an extended configuration (providing load support when the load floor is in the second position). This dynamic spatial transformation allows the system to maintain a compact stowed profile while providing adequate support structure when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is designed to nest within or alongside the load floor assembly when in the retracted position, minimizing the overall volume occupied during stowed conditions. When extended, the support member unfolds or extends outward to provide the necessary structural support, effectively hiding the support structure within the compact form factor when not in use.
3Ease of operation
If automatic movement of the support member is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved and additional actuators are eliminated, but the mechanism requires precise coordination between the load floor and support member movement
Solution Approach 1:
The support member automatically follows the movement of the load floor without requiring separate actuators or control systems. The mechanical linkage or geometric constraints inherent in the design cause the support member to self-adjust its position as the load floor moves between the first and second positions, simplifying operation while avoiding complex coordinated control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member is pre-configured with mechanical linkages or geometric relationships that automatically position it correctly as the load floor moves. The design incorporates preliminary mechanical arrangements that ensure the support member is in the appropriate retracted or extended state before the load floor reaches its target position, eliminating the need for complex real-time coordination control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides automatic and efficient support to the load floor, preventing deformation and ensuring the load floor can be easily moved between positions without additional actuators, maintaining a compact and unobtrusive design.
Implementation Method 1
The support member is configured to be moved from the load position to the retracted position by a force applied by the load bearing component when the load bearing component is moved from the second position to the first position
Implementation Method 2
The support member is configured to rotate from the retracted position to the load position by a biasing component when the load floor is moved from the default position to the raised position
Data Source
AI summary
A device for supporting a moveable load bearing component includes a base configured to be fixedly disposed at a vehicle support structure and located proximate to the load bearing component, the load bearing component configured to be moved between a first position and a second position. The device also includes a support member connected to the base and moveable between a retracted position and a load position, the support member supporting the load bearing component when the support member is in the load position. The support member is configured to automatically move between the retracted position and the load position based on the load bearing component being moved between the first position and the second position.