Overhead Luggage Cover Panel Assembly for Larger Cabin Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle designs face challenges in efficiently increasing storage space in passenger cabins while maintaining a cost-effective and simple installation process, especially when retrofitting larger luggage compartments, which often requires redesigning the cabin and replacing ceiling panels.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle area design with overlapping ceiling panels that can be easily installed and removed by guiding them through enlarged luggage compartments, allowing for greater flexibility and reuse of existing panels, and incorporating adjustable fastening devices and partition walls to accommodate larger compartments without the need for new ceiling panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If larger overhead luggage compartments are installed to increase storage space, then the storage capacity is improved, but the space for installation and removal of ceiling panels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel is divided into multiple sections that can be installed and removed independently. This segmentation allows each panel section to be maneuvered through the available space around the luggage compartments, making installation and removal feasible even with larger compartment volumes.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling panels are installed by moving them along a three-dimensional path that goes around the luggage compartments rather than directly through the limited horizontal space. This dimensional approach to installation allows panels to be positioned above larger compartments without requiring excessive horizontal clearance.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple overhead luggage compartments are installed on opposite sides to increase storage, then the storage capacity is improved, but the distance between compartments is reduced, further limiting ceiling panel access space
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel system is segmented into multiple independent sections that can be installed separately. This allows each panel to be positioned and secured in smaller increments, making it possible to work within the reduced space between multiple luggage compartments on opposite sides of the cabin.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation process utilizes dynamic positioning where ceiling panels are temporarily held in intermediate positions during installation and removal. This dynamic approach allows panels to be maneuvered through tight spaces between multiple luggage compartments by adjusting their position incrementally rather than requiring large static clearance.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing ceiling panels are to be reused to reduce costs, then conversion costs are reduced, but the panels may not fit or be accessible with new larger luggage compartment configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel system is designed as modular segments that can be reconfigured for different luggage compartment sizes. This segmentation allows existing panels to be adapted to new larger compartment configurations by repositioning or recombining panel sections, maintaining cost-effectiveness while achieving compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling panel design incorporates universal mounting features and standardized dimensions that allow the same panels to be used across different luggage compartment configurations. This multi-functionality enables existing panels to be reused with enlarged compartments without requiring custom-designed panels for each configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vehicle region comprising a roof section of a primary structure and two luggage compartments. One of the luggage compartments comprises a releasable luggage compartment hatch and a luggage compartment cover which delimits the top of a luggage area. A releasable securing device can rotatably secure the luggage compartment hatch to the luggage compartment, wherein in an intermediate space above one luggage compartment, the front edge of the luggage compartment cover is arranged at a distance to an end point on which one side of the cover panel is movable, said distance being greater than or equal to the width of the cover panel. Furthermore, a method is provided for assembling and disassembling a cover panel above two luggage compartments, said cover panel being guided at least partly through a luggage area of such a luggage compartment for which the luggage compartment hatch has been removed.