Load Floor Cover Prop Rod for Hands-Free Cargo Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo storage systems lack efficient access to hidden storage compartments, particularly those located below the cargo floor, due to cumbersome cover mechanisms that hinder easy access.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cargo storage system featuring a deployable prop rod that supports a load floor cover in an open position, allowing easy access to the storage compartment by stowing the prop rod on the underside of the cover and deploying it to extend downward for support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a hidden storage compartment is provided below the cargo floor, then storage capacity is improved, but access to the compartment becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A prop rod is introduced as an intermediary element to facilitate access to the hidden storage compartment. The prop rod is coupled to the load floor cover and can be extended to prop the cover open, serving as a mediator between the user and the compartment. This allows hands-free access where the prop rod maintains the cover in an open position, eliminating the need for continuous manual holding while improving ease of access to the storage space below the cargo floor.
2Ease of operation
If a prop rod is added to support the cover, then ease of access is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The prop rod is merged with the load floor cover assembly by coupling it directly to the cover. This integration means the prop rod becomes part of the cover mechanism rather than a separate standalone component. The prop rod can be stowed within or alongside the cover structure, and its deployment is directly linked to cover operation. This merging reduces overall system complexity compared to having entirely separate components while still providing the hands-free access function.
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 deployable prop rod system enables hands-free access to the storage compartment, enhancing usability and convenience by maintaining the cover in an open position without manual support.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge connects one end of the prop rod to the bottom side of the cover
Implementation Method 2
the prop rod is deployed to a deployed position extending downward from the cover to support the cover in the open position
Implementation Method 3
the slot is configured to frictionally engage the prop rod
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle cargo storage system configured to be located in a floor of a vehicle. The vehicle cargo storage system has a compartment configured to extend into and below the floor of the vehicle, a load floor cover movable between a closed position covering the compartment and an upright open position to expose the compartment, and a prop rod coupled to an underside of the load floor cover. The prop rod is configured to be stowed on the bottom side of the load floor cover and is deployed to a deployed position extending downward from the load floor cover to support the load floor cover in the open position.