Movable Accessory Base Plate With Power Routing and Cable Slack Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems lack a modular and adjustable solution for securing and powering accessories within a cargo area, particularly in electrified vehicles, where accessories may require power and need secure, flexible mounting and power supply.
Innovation Solution
A base plate system with power routing capabilities, allowing accessories to be secured and powered through a movable base plate with adjustable height and position, featuring a power box, electrical connector, and compensator to manage cable slack, along with inductive charging options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a base plate system is made movable and adjustable to provide flexibility for accessory mounting, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining reliable power supply becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate is designed to be movable along track structures, allowing dynamic repositioning between retracted and extended positions while maintaining power supply through a flexible electrical connector that can accommodate the movement without compromising connectivity
Solution Approach 2:
An electrical connector acts as an intermediary between the movable base plate and the fixed power source, enabling power transmission while accommodating the relative motion between the base plate and the vehicle structure
2Adaptability or versatility
If a base plate system is made movable between retracted and extended positions, then adaptability is improved, but cable slack management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
A compensator device serves as an intermediary mechanism that automatically manages the electrical connector cable, taking up slack when the base plate extends and allowing payout when retracted, thereby simplifying cable management despite the movable design
3Adaptability or versatility
If power routing is integrated into a movable base plate system, then versatility for powering accessories is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base plate system is designed to perform multiple functions: mechanical support for accessories, adjustable positioning along tracks, and electrical power delivery through integrated outlets, thereby consolidating multiple functions into a single unified system rather than separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The power delivery system is designed to be dynamic, with electrical connectors and compensators that automatically adjust to the base plate's position changes, maintaining power connectivity without requiring complex manual intervention or fixed routing
Data Source
AI summary
A base plate system includes a base plate with a surface to support an accessory and a power box mounted to the base plate. The power box includes at least one power outlet. An electrical connector connects the power box to a power source to be able to provide power to the accessory via the at least one power outlet.