Modular Vehicle Shelf System with Multi-Position Insert Fastening

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shelving systems for vehicles are complex in structure and not universally adaptable to vehicle geometry, requiring a setup of posts and cross braces before inserting shelves or other parts, and lack the ability for rapid adjustment between positions.

Innovation Solution

A shelving system with vertically positioned extruded profile shelf posts featuring internal webs with parallel bores for fastening elements, allowing for adjustable and secure attachment of insert parts such as tubs, shelves, or drawers, which can be positioned in multiple configurations to fit various vehicle geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a shelving system with posts and cross braces is set up first, then insert parts can be positioned, but the structure becomes complex and adjustment between positions is time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to vehicle geometryVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelving system is divided into separate modular components: shelf posts with integrated positioning elements, and insert parts with corresponding fastening elements. These segments can be independently positioned and quickly assembled without requiring a complex pre-assembled frame structure, thereby reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining adaptability to different vehicle geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf posts are designed with multiple bores arranged in vertical rows at different locations, allowing the same post structure to accommodate insert parts at various positions and orientations. This universal design enables a single shelf post configuration to serve multiple positioning functions, eliminating the need for complex adjustable mechanisms while providing versatility for different vehicle contours.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple fastening elements are used to secure insert parts, then positioning stability is improved, but the time required for adjustment between positions increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf posts are pre-configured with multiple bores and positioning elements during manufacturing. The insert parts are designed with corresponding fastening elements that align with these pre-positioned features. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid assembly and repositioning without requiring complex fastening operations, thereby maintaining positioning stability while significantly reducing adjustment time between different positions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3569108B1Shelf system to be fitted in a vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.01.27 SORTIMO INT GMBH
  • EP3569108B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3569108B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3569108B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a racking system for installation in a vehicle, comprising at least two vertical rack posts (1, 2) and at least one insert (3, 4) arranged horizontally between the rack posts (1, 2), wherein at least one fastening element (9) is provided between the rack posts (1, 2) and the end faces (5, 6) of the insert (3, 4) facing them, the length of the end faces (5, 6) of the insert (3, 4) being greater than the maximum width (B) of the rack posts (1, 2). A disadvantage of racking systems known from the prior art is their complex construction and limited versatility, particularly within motor vehicles. The objective of further developing a racking system for installation in vehicles so that it is simple in construction and universally applicable is achieved by enabling each insert (3, 4) to be fastened to the rack posts (1, 2) in at least two positions in the horizontal direction.