Vehicle Load Floor Holder for Faster Hidden Cargo Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo storage systems lack efficient access to hidden storage compartments, particularly in the rear cargo area, where items like spare tires are often stored, due to cumbersome cover mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A retractable load floor holder system with a unitary protrusion and bias arms that allows the cargo floor cover to slide and retract, using the vehicle's interior trim panel for support, enabling easy access to the storage compartment without additional springs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a hidden storage compartment with removable load floor cover is provided in the vehicle cargo area, then cargo storage capacity is improved, but access to the storage compartment becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The load floor cover is transformed from a static removable component to a dynamic movable component that automatically transitions between closed and open positions. The bias arm mechanism provides automatic movement of the cover to the open position when force is applied, eliminating the need for manual removal and reducing access time while maintaining storage capacity.
2Ease of operation
If a mechanism is added to enable automatic opening of the load floor cover, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components like springs
Solution Approach 1:
The bias arm is integrated directly into the protrusion structure that is already part of the vehicle interior trim panel. This merging of the bias arm with the existing protrusion eliminates the need for separate spring components and additional mounting hardware, reducing overall device complexity while still providing the automatic opening function to improve ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural support element of the vehicle interior, provides a guide surface for the load floor cover during movement, and incorporates the bias arm mechanism to enable automatic opening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the load floor cover is made movable between closed and upright positions, then accessibility to storage compartment is improved, but structural stability of the floor system deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The load floor cover is designed to be movable between closed and upright positions through engagement with the protrusion's guide surfaces. This dynamic design improves accessibility by allowing the cover to be easily opened to vertical positions for cargo access, while the controlled movement paths maintain structural stability during transition.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusion provides localized structural support and guidance at specific contact points with the load floor cover. The side first surface and rear second surface of the protrusion create controlled engagement zones that guide the cover movement while maintaining overall floor system stability. The bias arm provides localized force application to assist movement without compromising the global structural integrity.
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 provides efficient access to the storage compartment with minimal components, easy installation, and maintains the cover in an upright position, enhancing usability and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The load floor holder (40) includes at least one bias arm (50) and a protrusion (41, 41')... the at least one bias arm (50) provides a bias force without a separate spring
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle cargo storage system configured to be located in a floor of a vehicle, the vehicle cargo storage system includes a compartment configured to extend into and below the floor of the vehicle, and a cover movable between a closed position covering the compartment and providing a load floor and an upright open position to expose the compartment. The system also includes a retractable load floor holder comprising a protrusion coupled with an interior of the vehicle, the load floor holder having at least one bias arm and a side first surface and a rear second surface, wherein when the cargo floor cover is configured to move with force from the closed position to the upright open position to allow the cargo floor cover to slide along the side first surface of the protrusion and depress the protrusion, and is supported in the upright open position by the rear second surface.