Modular Base Plate Panels for Vehicle Cargo Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo and work area support surfaces in vehicles lack a modular and adjustable system to securely hold various types of accessories, limiting flexibility and adaptability based on different job requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular base plate system comprising interlocking panels with mounting foot apertures and attachment features such as spot welds and fasteners, allowing for customizable base plate sizes and configurations, which can be mounted to a support structure within the vehicle cargo area, enabling secure attachment and easy reconfiguration of accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-size base plate is used, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different job requirements is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is divided into multiple individual panels that can be selectively assembled. Each panel is a discrete unit with standardized attachment features, allowing the system to be configured in different sizes and shapes based on specific job requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through repeated use of standard components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universal attachment features (apertures, mounting feet, fasteners) that are consistent across all panels, enabling the same panel design to serve multiple functions in different configurations. This universal interface allows panels to be attached in various arrangements to create different base plate sizes and shapes, achieving versatility without increasing individual panel complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a modular panel system is used, then the adaptability and flexibility are improved, but the attachment and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the base plate into standardized panels with identical attachment interfaces, the system achieves flexibility through combinatorial assembly rather than complex individual components. The segmented design allows simple panels to be combined in numerous configurations, providing flexibility without requiring complex attachment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies the number and arrangement of panels to change the overall base plate dimensions and configuration parameters. By maintaining constant panel parameters (size, attachment features) and varying the system parameters (number of panels, arrangement pattern), the system achieves flexibility while keeping individual component complexity low.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple panels are assembled to create different sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the time required for assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are pre-manufactured with standardized attachment features (pre-drilled apertures, pre-attached mounting feet) that enable quick assembly. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces eliminates the need for on-site modification or complex alignment procedures, reducing assembly time while maintaining the ability to create customized configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented panel design with standardized interfaces allows for modular assembly where panels can be quickly connected using simple fastening operations. The segmentation enables parallel assembly processes and simplifies the attachment procedure to repetitive, time-efficient actions rather than complex custom fittings.
4Ease of repair
If a non-modular base plate is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ease of repair and reconfiguration is poor
Solution Approach 1:
Segmenting the base plate into standardized panels creates discrete, replaceable units with uniform manufacturing processes. Each panel can be manufactured independently using the same simple process, and damaged or obsolete panels can be easily replaced or reconfigured by detaching and reattaching individual units, improving repairability without complicating manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains manufacturing simplicity by producing panels with constant parameters (dimensions, attachment features) while allowing reconfiguration through changes in system parameters (number of panels, arrangement). This separation of manufacturing parameters from configuration parameters enables simple production of standardized components that can be easily reconfigured or replaced as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A base plate system includes a plurality of base plate panels that are attached to each other to provide a base plate that includes a surface to hold an accessory fixed relative to the base plate. An attachment feature is associated with each base plate panel such that adjacent base plate panels can be attached to each other to provide a desired base plate size.