Perforated Luggage Rack Supports for Panoramic Vehicle Windows

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger transport vehicles, such as buses and trains, face the challenge of utilizing space-efficient luggage racks that do not obstruct panoramic windows, allowing for better accessibility and usability of window areas while maintaining luggage storage capacity.

Innovation Solution

A luggage rack design featuring a support part extending horizontally above passenger seats with a perforated holder that is partially or completely integrated into the passenger compartment ceiling, allowing unobstructed views and increased light incidence, and incorporating hollow profile supports for stability and cable routing, with recesses that enhance visibility and luggage capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a continuous holder is used for the luggage rack, then the structural stability is improved, but the window surface usability and field of vision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidwindow surface usability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into multiple discrete support elements distributed along the longitudinal direction rather than forming a continuous structure. This segmentation allows light and view to pass through the gaps between elements while maintaining sufficient structural support for the luggage rack.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the holder is made continuous in the longitudinal direction, then the luggage rack stability is improved, but the light incidence into the passenger compartment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluggage rack stabilityVSAvoidlight incidence
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The continuous holder structure is segmented into discrete support elements spaced along the longitudinal direction, creating gaps that allow natural light to pass through into the passenger compartment while maintaining adequate structural stability for luggage support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Quantity of substance

If a rear wall is added to the luggage rack, then the luggage storage capacity is improved, but the accessibility to window surfaces and insertion of large luggage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveluggage storage capacityVSAvoidluggage insertion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rear wall structure is segmented or completely omitted in certain sections, creating open access points that facilitate insertion of large luggage items while maintaining storage capacity through the distributed support elements and holder structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3882081B1Passenger transport vehicle with a luggage storage locations
Publication Date: 2024.07.31 MAN TRUCK & BUS SE
  • EP3882081B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3882081B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3882081B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle (20) for passenger transport, for example a train or a bus, comprising a passenger compartment (1) that includes passenger seats and is bounded at the top by a passenger compartment ceiling (2) and laterally, at least partially, by a window surface (3). Furthermore, the vehicle (20) has a luggage rack (4) arranged above the passenger seats, comprising a support element (4a) extending in the longitudinal direction (L) of the vehicle for receiving luggage, which is arranged at the level of the window surface (3), and a bracket (4b) by means of which the support element (4a) is held on the passenger compartment ceiling (2). In order to advantageously increase the usability of the window surface (3) of the vehicle (20), it is provided that the bracket (4b) of the luggage rack (4) is designed to allow a view from the passenger compartment (1) to the outside, at least partially.