Two-Step Load Floor Track Mechanism for Lift-Free Level Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current two steps load floor solutions are operationally complex, requiring users to lift and remove the load floor to transition between positions, and often necessitate redesigns of vehicle components like quarter lower garnishes.
Innovation Solution
A pull and push mechanism for load floors that uses two-track transition support features and four pins to smoothly transition between levels without lifting or removing the load floor, operating independently of quarter lower garnishes and utilizing a living hinge for flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional two steps load floor designs are used, then cargo loading flexibility is improved, but operational complexity increases requiring users to lift and remove the load floor
Solution Approach 1:
The load floor is designed with movable sections that can dynamically adjust between different positions and configurations. The load floor includes a first section and a second section that can move relative to each other along tracks, allowing the floor to transition between a first position for standard cargo and a second position for taller items, eliminating the need to completely remove the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The load floor is divided into multiple independent sections (first section and second section) that can move independently along separate tracks. This segmentation allows each section to be adjusted separately to accommodate different cargo configurations while remaining part of the same load floor structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional two steps load floor designs are used, then multi-level cargo storage is achieved, but device complexity increases requiring redesign of vehicle components
Solution Approach 1:
The load floor system is designed to perform multiple functions using the same basic structure. The first and second sections can serve different purposes depending on their position: together they form a complete load floor for standard cargo, or separately they create multi-level storage for taller items. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components for different storage configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The load floor transitions from a static multi-level structure to a dynamic system where sections can move between integrated and separated configurations. The tracks and moving sections allow the same physical components to create different storage configurations without requiring additional vehicle component redesigns.
3Ease of operation
If load floor sections are made movable for easier loading, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Tracks serve as intermediary structures that guide and constrain the movement of load floor sections. The tracks provide a stable, fixed path along which the sections can move, ensuring that the sections remain properly positioned and supported during transitions and when in use, thereby maintaining structural stability while enabling ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the disclosure include a pull and push two steps load floor system. An exemplary pull and push two steps load floor system can include a first two-track transition support feature including a first track having an open end and a second track having an open end and a second two-track transition support feature including a third track having an open end and a fourth track having an open end. The load floor system can further include a load floor having a hinge and four pins positioned such that the load floor can be coupled to the first two-track transition support feature and to the second two-track transition support feature by placing the four pins into respective tracks of the first two-track transition support feature and the second two-track transition support feature through the respective open ends.