Vehicle Load Floor Guide Tracks for Flexible Cargo Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with fixed or single-position adjustable storage volumes face usability limitations due to trade-offs between seating and storage, and removable floor panels require inconvenient remote storage.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable load floor system with a support frame and guide tracks allows a floor panel to be positioned in multiple adjustment positions without needing remote storage, using guide elements that translate along continuous guide tracks with adjustment lands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed load floor is used in vehicle storage areas, then the storage volume is stable and predictable, but the usability is limited and cannot adapt to different cargo needs
Solution Approach 1:
The load floor is designed to be dynamically adjustable between multiple positions (up to 10 positions) along guide tracks, allowing the storage volume to adapt to different cargo needs. The floor panel can be moved from a retracted position to an extended position, changing the cargo space configuration without requiring complex mechanical structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent components: a floor panel, guide tracks with adjustment lands, and guide elements. This segmentation allows the floor to be adjusted in discrete positions while maintaining structural simplicity, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If a removable floor panel is used to increase storage volume, then additional cargo space is revealed, but the panel must be stored remotely which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The floor panel is nested within the vehicle body structure, sliding along guide tracks that are integrated into the side members. When not in use, the panel retracts into a recessed position within the vehicle interior, eliminating the need for remote storage and providing convenient access while maintaining increased cargo volume when extended.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single adjustment position is provided for the load floor, then the structure is simple, but the limited adjustment option is inconvenient for users
Solution Approach 1:
The guide tracks incorporate multiple adjustment lands (up to 10 positions) along their length, enabling the floor panel to be positioned dynamically at various locations. This provides users with multiple adjustment options while keeping the guide track structure relatively simple and integrated into the vehicle side members.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable load floor system for a vehicle includes a support frame including a first side member, a second side member arranged opposite the first side member, and a support member. A first guide member is provided on the first side member. The first guide member includes a first continuous guide track having a first plurality of adjustment lands. A second guide member is provided on the second side member. The second guide member includes a second continuous guide track having a second plurality of adjustment lands. A floor panel includes a first guide element and a second guide element. The first guide element is translatable through the first continuous guide track and the second guide element is translatable through the second continuous guide track to position the support surface in one of a plurality of adjustment positions.