Retractable Partition Mounting with Integrated Locking Rails
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable partition systems for commercial vehicles require additional locking mechanisms on the ceiling and side walls, limiting flexibility and increasing complexity, especially when the partition must be in a predetermined position in the retracted state.
Innovation Solution
A retractable partition system that uses sliding carriages on rails with immobilization holes, combined with bolts and a handle with levers for locking and unlocking, allowing the partition to be immobilized in both vertical and retracted positions without the need for extensive additional locking mechanisms, and featuring a pivoting and sliding mechanism with a prestressed lifter and flanges for reduced space usage and easier maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms are installed on the ceiling and side walls to secure the partition in retracted position, then the partition can be securely locked, but the device complexity increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the existing carriage and rail structures. The immobilization holes are integrated into the rail, and the bolts are mounted on the carriage, merging multiple functions into existing components rather than adding separate locking mechanisms on ceiling and walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage serves multiple functions: it supports the partition, enables sliding movement along the rail, and provides mounting for the locking bolts. The rail serves both as a guide track and as a structure with integrated immobilization holes, reducing the need for additional dedicated locking components.
2Reliability
If additional locking mechanisms are installed on the ceiling and side walls, then the partition can be securely locked, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to more locking points
Solution Approach 1:
The locking operation is merged with the sliding operation. The same carriage that slides along the rail also carries the locking bolts, and the same rail that guides movement also provides the immobilization holes. This reduces the number of separate operations needed.
3Reliability
If the partition is designed to retract to a predetermined position fixed by locking means, then the partition can be securely locked, but the adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static predetermined locking position to a dynamic system where the partition can be locked at multiple positions along the rail. The carriage can slide to different locations and be immobilized at any point where the bolts align with immobilization holes, providing flexible positioning while maintaining secure locking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of locking position from a single fixed location to multiple possible locations along the rail. The immobilization holes are distributed at different positions on the rail, allowing the partition to be locked at various points depending on the desired configuration.
4Reliability
If extensive additional locking mechanisms are installed, then the partition can be securely locked in retracted position, but the space usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking components are merged with the sliding mechanism components. The bolts are mounted on the carriage (not additional ceiling or wall structures), and the immobilization holes are integrated into the rail. This eliminates the need for additional space-consuming locking mechanisms on the ceiling and side walls.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The arrangement has a slide (10) mounted slidably along a longitudinal rail (8) fixed to a ceiling of a load compartment of a vehicle. A pivotally and translationally movable partition (C) is fixed to the slide via a transverse axle (AP) of the slide to pivot between a vertical position, in which the partition divides the compartment into two portions, and a retracted position in which the partition is arranged along the ceiling. The slide is arranged relative to the partition on an opposite side with respect to a side toward which the partition pivots to attain the retracted position.