Modular Vehicle Cabinet Beam Structure for Concentrated Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modular vehicle cabinets face challenges with mechanical strength of horizontal connecting beams, requiring either duplication or oversizing to handle concentrated loads, which increases weight and cost without offering sufficient flexibility.
Innovation Solution
The use of anchoring brackets connects lower beams to upper beams, allowing the upper beams to maintain an upward orientation and support additional loads without the need for duplication or oversizing, enhancing stability and flexibility while reducing component count.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If beams are duplicated or oversized to handle concentrated loads, then mechanical strength is improved, but weight and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cabinet is divided into modular components (sides, beams, drawers, shelves) that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the structure to use only the necessary number and size of beams for each specific application, avoiding unnecessary weight from duplicated or oversized beams while maintaining adequate strength for the actual load requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different beam configurations locally based on specific load requirements. Beams are selectively positioned and sized according to where concentrated loads occur, rather than uniformly oversizing all beams. This local optimization maintains strength where needed while minimizing overall weight.
2Strength
If beams are duplicated or oversized to handle concentrated loads, then mechanical strength is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmentation of the cabinet structure enables standardized beam components to be used across different configurations. This standardization reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to custom oversized beams, while still providing adequate strength through proper modular assembly and selective beam placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent varies beam parameters (position, orientation, spacing) rather than uniformly increasing size to achieve the required strength. This parameter optimization allows using standard-sized beams in optimized configurations, reducing manufacturing cost compared to producing oversized custom beams.
3Adaptability or versatility
If modular components are used to increase flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but structural stability may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The modular segmented design provides flexibility through various configuration options while maintaining stability through standardized connection mechanisms. The segmentation allows adaptation to different space requirements while the consistent modular interfaces ensure reliable structural assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple modular components (sides, beams, drawers, shelves) into a unified stable structure. The modular components work together through standardized connections to create a stable assembly that maintains structural integrity while benefiting from the flexibility of modular configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a modular cabinet for the interior outfitting of vehicles, comprising a support structure 2 which in turn comprises: - a pair of side panels (3', 3") which form the outer sides of the cabinet; and - at least two pairs of beams (10', 10"; 11', 11"), which connect together the two sides horizontally, at two different heights; - a plurality of separator sides 20'; 20", which are vertically interposed between the two pairs of beams, in intermediate positions between the two outer sides. Each separator side is rigidly connected to the lower pair of beams 10', 10". Each separator side delimits a compartment for positioning a shelf 4 or a pull-out drawer 5, with the beams and with an outer side or with another separator side. Each beam consists of an angular profile comprising a base 12, which is arranged horizontally in use, and a wing 13, which extends orthogonally from the base. In use, the wing faces the outside of the cabinet and the base is always arranged above the wing and is oriented with respect to the wing so as to extend horizontally towards the inside of the cabinet. The cabinet comprises a plurality of anchoring brackets 30', 30", each of which rigidly connects at least one separator side to a beam arranged above the separator side. By means of one of said anchoring brackets, each separator side connects one beam of the lower pair 10', 10" to a beam of the upper pair 11', 11", between which it is interposed.