Pivoting Cargo Divider Panels with Cam Latches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with open cargo areas, such as pickup trucks, face challenges in securely transporting smaller cargo items as they tend to move around during transit, necessitating a quick and tool-free cargo management system that can be easily deployed and stowed without occupying excessive space.
Innovation Solution
A cargo management system comprising pivotally moveable divider panels with latching mechanisms that can be swiftly articulated into upright positions to form partitions, preventing cargo movement, and easily returned to a flat stowed configuration, utilizing high-strength lightweight materials and camming actions for secure locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If divider panels are made rigid and upright to prevent cargo movement, then cargo restraint effectiveness is improved, but space utilization in cargo area deteriorates when panels are not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The divider panels are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between upright and flat positions through pivotal connections. This allows the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing cargo restraint when required and maximizing cargo space when panels are folded flat against the cargo area floor or walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The divider panels are arranged to nest within the cargo area structure when in the flat position. The panels can be stored against existing surfaces such as the floor or sidewalls, effectively utilizing dead space and minimizing the impact on cargo area volume when the panels are not actively restraining cargo.
2Stability of the object's composition
If latching mechanisms are made robust and secure to maintain panel position, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanisms are designed to be self-actuating through camming actions that automatically engage when panels are positioned upright and self-releasing when panels are folded flat. This eliminates the need for manual operation or complex control systems, achieving reliable positioning through simple geometric interactions between mating components.
Solution Approach 2:
Complex multi-component latching systems are replaced with simplified cam-based mechanisms that use geometric shapes and mechanical advantage to achieve secure engagement. The camming action converts simple panel movement into reliable latching or unlatching, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps while maintaining positional stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple divider panels are deployed to accommodate various cargo configurations, then adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to increased number of panels to maneuver
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo management system is divided into multiple independent divider panels that can be individually positioned and configured. Each panel operates independently with its own pivotal connection and latching mechanism, allowing flexible arrangement to accommodate different cargo sizes and shapes while maintaining operational simplicity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
Each divider panel is designed as a multi-functional component that can serve multiple purposes: providing cargo restraint when upright, being stored flat to maximize space, and potentially being positioned at different locations within the cargo area. This universal design reduces the total number of components needed while maintaining high adaptability.
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
The system effectively restrains cargo items from shifting during vehicle motion while minimizing space usage when not in use, providing flexible configuration options for various cargo sizes and shapes, and ensuring secure storage without the need for external tools.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing high-strength lightweight materials and camming actions for secure locking
Implementation Method 2
A first latching mechanism is included for latching the front divider panel to at least one of a pair of opposing sidewalls of the cargo area
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo management system for use with a motor vehicle cargo area having a floor. The system uses front, center are rear divider panels each configured to lay flat adjacent the floor when in a stowed position, and each is pivotally moveably into an upright, operative position. A first latching mechanism is used to releasably latch the front divider in the upright, operative position. The center divider panel is pivotally moveable from a stowed position to an operative position. The rear divider panel is pivotally moveable from a stowed position resting generally flat on the floor of the cargo area to an upright, operative position. A second latching mechanism is used to releasably hold the rear divider panel in the upright, operative position.