Vehicle Load Floor Retention Using Integrated Deformable Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retaining systems for vehicle load floors in an inclined position are complex, unstable, and costly, lacking a simple and reliable method to securely hold the load floor in an open position while allowing users to freely maneuver beneath it.
Innovation Solution
A retaining system incorporating deformable retaining elements integrated into the load floor, which use elastic deformation to securely support the load floor in an inclined position without additional mechanisms, ensuring stability and ease of use while maintaining a cost-effective manufacturing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional retaining mechanisms (latch, hook, cord, or rubber band) are used to support the load floor in an inclined position, then the load floor can be retained in the open position, but the operation becomes complex and the fixing is unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retaining function from complex mechanical mechanisms (latches, hooks, cords) and integrates it directly into the load floor structure itself. The load floor includes integrated retaining elements that engage with corresponding features on the vehicle body, eliminating the need for separate retaining devices and simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the load floor structure with the retaining mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The retaining elements are built into the load floor, combining the support function and the retention function in one unified structure, thereby reducing device complexity while ensuring stable retention in the inclined position
2Reliability
If additional retaining mechanisms are added to securely hold the load floor in an inclined position, then the retention reliability improves, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the load floor and retaining mechanisms into a single integrated component, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This integration lowers manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the retention stability required for secure load floor support in the inclined position
3Ease of operation
If the load floor is retained in an inclined position using conventional methods, then the load floor can be supported, but the user operation becomes complicated and hand-free maneuvering is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the load floor with self-retaining capabilities where the integrated retaining elements automatically engage with the vehicle body features when the load floor is positioned in the inclined state. This self-service mechanism allows the load floor to secure itself without requiring complex manual operation, enabling users to have hands-free access to the storage compartment while maintaining secure retention
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 system efficiently and automatically retains the load floor in a non-horizontal position, allowing users to freely handle the space below without risking instability or increased manufacturing costs, providing a durable and reliable solution.
Implementation Method 1
deformable retaining elements integrated into the load floor, which use elastic deformation to securely support the load floor in an inclined position
Data Source
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AI summary
A retaining system for retaining a load floor (1, 1') of a vehicle, comprising a load floor (1, 1') and associated parts of a rear compartment (30) of a vehicle, wherein the load floor (1, 1') can be pivoted from a first substantially horizontal usage position (closed position) to a second usage position (open position) with an inclination with respect to the first usage position. The major advantage of this retaining system is that it allows the load floor (1, 1') to be automatically and intuitively retained and maintained in its second usage open position, which is necessary for a user to be able to automatically support it and to therefore free both his or her hands in order to be able to comfortably maneuver and handle the space below the load floor (1, 1').