Raisable Vehicle Load Shelf With Hinged Supports for One-Handed Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing load shelves in motor vehicle luggage compartments require complex manual operations to adjust height, necessitating the release and reconnection of retaining devices and often requiring two hands, which is cumbersome and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A raisable load shelf with hinged support appendages that rotate from a horizontal to a vertical position, allowing one-handed adjustment without releasing retaining devices, utilizing weight or elastic members for automatic rotation and a central handle for balance and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual retaining devices are used to hold the load shelf at fixed heights, then the load shelf can be securely positioned, but the adjustment process becomes complex and requires two hands
Solution Approach 1:
The load shelf adjustment mechanism uses self-service through elastic members that automatically engage with retaining devices. When the load shelf is moved to a desired height, the elastic members autonomously snap into the retaining devices, securing the position without requiring manual intervention for reconnection. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining secure positioning while eliminating the need for complex two-handed manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism transitions from static manual retention to dynamic automatic engagement. The elastic members provide continuous mechanical force that enables the load shelf to be easily adjusted to different heights while automatically maintaining secure positioning at each level. This dynamic system resolves the contradiction by making the shelf both easy to move and securely held without requiring complex manual operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the load shelf structure includes support members and retaining devices, then height adjustment is possible, but the overall device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The support members and retaining devices are integrated into the existing load shelf structure rather than being separate components. The elastic members are incorporated within the panel assembly, and the retaining devices are formed as part of the support structure. This nesting approach enables height adjustment capability while minimizing additional bulkiness in the luggage compartment.
Solution Approach 2:
The load shelf structure serves multiple functions: the panel provides the loading surface, the integrated support members provide structural support and height adjustment, and the elastic members provide both structural support and automatic retention functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby enabling height adjustment while minimizing device bulkiness.
3Reliability
If complex manual operations are required to adjust the load shelf height, then secure retention is achieved, but the adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members automatically engage with the retaining devices when the load shelf is moved to a desired height, eliminating the need for manual reconnection operations. This self-service mechanism maintains secure retention while dramatically reducing the time required for height adjustment, as the user only needs to move the shelf to the desired position rather than perform multiple manual steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic members are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to automatically engage with the retaining devices. This preliminary preparation of the retention mechanism means that as soon as the load shelf reaches the desired height, the retention security is automatically established without requiring additional time for manual operations. The system is pre-configured to provide immediate secure retention upon position change.
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
Enables quick, one-handed height adjustment of the load shelf, reducing bulkiness and simplifying the process, allowing the luggage compartment to be efficiently divided into upper and lower spaces without additional support devices.
Implementation Method 1
the support appendages are hinged to the panel about respective axes parallel to the upper surface so as to rotate downwards from a horizontal position to a substantially vertical position in order to reduce a dimension of the load shelf
Implementation Method 2
leveraging weight and elastic members for automatic positioning
Data Source
AI summary
A raisable load shelf for a luggage compartment of a motor vehicle is provided with a panel, which defines an upper surface on which items can be placed and is provided with a handle that a user can grasp to raise or maneuver the load shelf in the luggage compartment; the load shelf has at least two appendages, which are arranged along respective edges of the panel and are hinged to the panel about respective axes parallel to the edges to rotate downwards from a horizontal position to a substantially vertical position in order to reduce a dimension of the load shelf; in the horizontal position, the appendages project horizontally with respect to the panel so as to rest, in use, on respective brackets of the luggage compartment.