Modular Van Fitting System with Universal Bolted Boxes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rear fittings for utility and leisure vans are typically fixed, non-universal, and designed for single-use purposes, making them obsolete when the vehicle is changed or when used in different real estate spaces, and are cumbersome to store.
Innovation Solution
A modular system comprising a personalized floor with circular holes and identical boxes that can be bolted and stacked in various orientations, allowing a single person to quickly configure the rear space for professional or leisure use, with removable foam mattresses for comfort, and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed rear fittings are used for utility vans, then the vehicle can be equipped with permanent fittings for specific uses, but the fittings become obsolete when the vehicle is changed or when different uses are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal fittings that can be used across different van types and configurations. The standardized box design with uniform dimensions (50cm x 50cm x 40cm) and identical mounting hole patterns allows the same fittings to be installed on various vehicle models, eliminating the need for vehicle-specific custom fittings and enabling a single set of fittings to serve multiple purposes and vehicles.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear space is divided into modular boxes of standardized dimensions that can be independently configured and reconfigured. Each box is a discrete unit that can be individually mounted, removed, or rearranged, allowing flexible adaptation to different vehicle types and usage requirements without replacing the entire fitting system.
2Ease of operation
If removable fittings are offered for leisure vans, then the fittings can be assembled and disassembled, but they are relatively cumbersome to store and not usable in other real estate spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The boxes are designed to nest within each other when not in use, with smaller boxes fitting inside larger ones. This nesting capability dramatically reduces the storage volume required for the removable fittings, transforming from a bulky storage requirement to a compact configuration that fits in minimal space when the van is not being used.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed fittings are installed for professional use, then the vehicle has dedicated functional spaces, but the fittings cannot be reconfigured for leisure use or other purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The fitting system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The boxes can be easily mounted and dismounted using simple fastening mechanisms, allowing the user to quickly adapt the rear space from professional use to leisure use or any other configuration needed, with the system responding flexibly to changing requirements.
4Reliability
If multiple vehicle-specific fitting sets are maintained, then each vehicle can be properly equipped, but the complexity and number of fittings to manage increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single set of universally designed fittings can properly equip multiple different van types, eliminating the need to maintain separate fitting sets for each vehicle. The standardized design ensures reliable and proper equipment across different vehicle models while reducing the total number of fittings that need to be managed and stored.
Data Source
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AI summary
Starting with a custom floor (x) for each vehicle type—a floor perforated with equidistant centering holes and fitted with equidistant bolts for fastening—the user assembles a combination of their choice from a set of identical boxes (y). These boxes are equipped with lugs, centering holes, and equidistant bolts. The user then slots and bolts these boxes into place on the floor, or stacks them on top of each other to create one of multiple possible combinations. This can be further enhanced with a selection of boxes and special parts, and a set of removable foam mattresses. After each use, the entire system can be stored by stacking it in a very small space.The device according to the invention is particularly intended for the fitting out of vans, in multiple combinations, indifferently for utilitarian use (such as fitting out professional lockers) or for leisure use (such as fitting out a camper van), or for the modular furnishing of real estate spaces, apartments for example.