Commercial Vehicle Rack Rails for Movable Load Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Commercial vehicles face inefficiencies in utilizing rear storage compartment space due to limited rack space and uneven weight distribution, leading to suboptimal loading capacity and handling characteristics.

Innovation Solution

A rack system with guide rails and electrically controllable actuators allows racks to slide laterally, with sensors and control units to balance vehicle inclination, enabling flexible rack positioning and secure fixing to optimize space utilization and weight distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If racks are fixed in position to maximize storage capacity, then rack space utilization is improved, but weight distribution becomes uneven and handling characteristics deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverack space utilizationVSAvoidhandling characteristics
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements laterally movable racks that can be repositioned along guide rails, transforming fixed storage positions into dynamic, adjustable positions. This allows the rack system to adapt weight distribution based on loading requirements while maintaining maximum storage capacity utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If more rack space is provided to store small items, then storage capacity for small items is improved, but floor space for large items is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacity for small itemsVSAvoidfloor space for large items
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional floor-based storage layout to a three-dimensional vertical rack system with lateral movement capability. This allows small items to be stored in suspended rack positions without occupying floor space, while large items can be placed directly on the floor area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If racks are made movable to balance weight distribution, then handling characteristics are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight distribution balancingVSAvoidrack system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the rack system into modular units that can independently move along separate guide rails. Each rack unit operates autonomously with its own actuator, simplifying the control system compared to a fully integrated movable structure while still achieving weight distribution balancing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4190633B1Rack system for a commercial vehicle and commercial vehicle
Publication Date: 2024.07.17 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC
  • EP4190633B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4190633B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates generally to a rack system (5) for a commercial vehicle (1), comprising at least one guide rail (8) fixable to at least one vehicle structure of the commercial vehicle (1) within a rear storage compartment (2) of the commercial vehicle (1). To provide a more efficient way of offering rack space to get a better trade-off between the amount of racks (10) and space for other items, to maximize the utilization rate of the rear storage compartment (2), the rack system (5) comprises at least two racks (10) slidingly supported by the guide rail (8) back and forth in a lateral or longitudinal direction of the commercial vehicle (1) and arranged in series to each other with respect to the guide rail (8).