Modular Vehicle Storage Organizer With Releasable Wall Segments

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage organizing systems for motor vehicles lack the ability to customize and isolate storage locations within the vehicle, limiting user flexibility and efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A storage organizing article comprising a foundation with retention members and vertical wall segments that form a releasable friction fit connection, allowing customizable and isolated storage solutions through a combination of projections and engagement footings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fixed storage structure is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of assembly/disassembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidcustomizability of storage locations
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The storage system is divided into separate modular components: a base with retention members and removable wall segments with engagement footings. This segmentation allows the walls to be easily assembled and disassembled while maintaining structural stability when connected, resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and assembly flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a fixed permanent structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The friction fit engagement between footings and retention members allows the structure to be stable during use but easily reconfigured or disassembled, providing both structural reliability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a releasable friction fit connection is used, then ease of assembly and disassembly is improved, but connection strength may deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple retention members are combined to form engagement receptacles that collectively provide sufficient connection strength. The distributed friction fit across multiple contact points maintains strong connections while preserving ease of assembly and disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection strength is optimized by adjusting parameters such as the friction coefficient between surfaces, the geometry of engagement footings, and the arrangement of retention members. These parameter changes ensure adequate connection strength while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables customizable and efficient storage solutions by providing a secure, releasable connection system that allows for easy assembly and disassembly, enhancing user flexibility and storage organization within motor vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

each projection of each of the engagement footings is disposed in one of the engagement receptacles, respectively, and forms a releasable friction fit with each of the projections of each sub-grouping

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction fit: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4232322B1Storage organizing article and system
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 THERMOFLEX CORP
  • EP4232322B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4232322B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4232322B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A storage organizing article, comprising a foundation comprising a horizontal floor; a vertical wall comprising a plurality of vertical wall segments; wherein the plurality of vertical wall segments are releasably connectable to each other; wherein the plurality of vertical wall segments are releasably connectable to the foundation via a plurality of engagement footings of the plurality of vertical wall segments; wherein the horizontal floor has a base wall, a plurality of retention members and a plurality of engagement receptacles; wherein each engagement receptacle is formed by a sub-grouping of the plurality of retention members, respectively; and wherein, when the foundation and vertical wall are connected, each of the engagement footings is disposed one of the engagement receptacles, respectively, and forms a releasable interference fit with the sub-grouping of the plurality of retention members which form the engagement receptacle, respectively.