Pivoting Floor Segments for Cargo Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle systems require significant effort to convert passenger cabins for cargo transport, leading to potential damage and wear on the cabin floor, and lack efficient space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A system with pivoting functional units and a dual-function bottom beam allows for easy conversion of passenger cabins into cargo spaces by pivoting seat rows and floor segments, providing a safe and efficient method to use the cabin for cargo transport without damaging the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If seat rows are pushed together along a track to provide cargo space, then cargo space is created in the passenger cabin, but the ground floor is exposed to increased wear and damage risk
Solution Approach 1:
The floor is segmented into a movable floor section that can be pivoted independently from the stationary floor section. This segmentation allows the movable floor section with seat rows to be rotated away from the cargo area, protecting the stationary floor section from wear and damage while maintaining cargo space accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The floor section is made dynamic through a pivoting mechanism that allows it to rotate between a horizontal position (for passenger configuration) and a tilted position (for cargo configuration). This dynamic adjustment enables the system to adapt between different operational modes while protecting the floor from damage during cargo operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If seat rows are loosened and pushed along a track to create cargo space, then cargo transport is enabled, but considerable effort is required for re-alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The pivoting mechanism provides a simple rotational motion to transition between passenger and cargo configurations, replacing the complex track-based loosening and pushing operations. The pivotable floor section can be easily rotated to the tilted position using a lifting device, significantly reducing the effort required for re-alignment compared to the conventional track system.
Solution Approach 2:
A lifting device acts as an intermediary mechanism to assist in pivoting the floor section. This intermediary device reduces the manual effort required to re-align the seat rows by providing mechanical assistance during the pivoting operation, making the configuration change process more efficient and less labor-intensive.
3Productivity
If the passenger cabin is used for cargo transport, then space utilization is improved, but the floor segments and seat rows are subject to wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the floor into movable and stationary sections, the invention isolates the stationary floor section from exposure to cargo-related wear and damage. The movable floor section with seat rows can be pivoted away from the cargo area, allowing cargo operations to proceed without compromising the durability of the main floor structure and seat rows.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivoting capability allows the system to protect the floor and seat rows from damage by tilting the movable floor section away from the cargo loading area. This protective positioning reduces exposure to harmful factors such as cargo impact, moisture, and contamination, thereby maintaining higher reliability and durability of the passenger cabin components.
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the invention relates to a system for receiving cargo or passengers in a vehicle. The system includes a bottom beam and several functional units, wherein each functional unit includes a floor segment and a seat row with several passenger seats being attached to the floor segment. Each functional unit is assigned to a pivoting device for pivoting the functional unit relatively to bottom beam. Another embodiment of the invention relates to a vehicle having such a system.