Multifunctional Rear Parcel Shelf for Flat In-Car Sleeping Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for transforming a passenger compartment of a motor vehicle into a sleeping space often compromise the available trunk volume, as external kits like storage boxes with folding bed bases significantly reduce space when loaded.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a multifunctional rear shelf and secondary floor into the vehicle design, allowing the rear shelf to move between a storage position and a support position, thereby creating a flat support surface for a sleeping mattress and table without reducing trunk volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external kits such as storage boxes containing a folding bed base are used to transform the passenger compartment into a sleeping space, then the sleeping space transformation capability is improved, but the available trunk volume is considerably reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rear shelf is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a storage shelf during normal driving conditions and transforms into a support structure for sleeping arrangements when needed. The shelf can be positioned in different locations (trunk opening or between seats) and configurations to accommodate both storage needs and sleeping space creation, eliminating the need for separate external kits.
2Ease of operation
If the rear shelf is positioned in the trunk opening, then trunk accessibility is improved, but the support surface for sleeping is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rear shelf is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be moved between different locations (trunk opening or between front and rear seats) depending on the user's needs. This dynamic repositioning enables the system to adapt between prioritizing trunk accessibility and maximizing support surface area for sleeping, resolving the contradiction between these two requirements.
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
This solution allows for the transformation of the passenger compartment into a sleeping space without compromising trunk volume, providing a versatile and space-efficient solution for users who want to sleep in their vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
The second row seat comprises a seat and a backrest articulated relative to the seat along a transverse articulation axis or transverse articulation between a position of use, in which the seat and the backrest form an angle of between 80° and 120° relative to each other and a folded position in which the backrest is close to the corresponding seat and extends along the longitudinal axis of the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
the transverse articulation axis connecting the backrest and the seat base of the second row of seats is mounted in translation in a dedicated rail secured to the seat base and the backrest, so that when the backrest pivots around the transverse articulation axis, said transverse articulation axis moves vertically upwards along the vertical axis
Implementation Method 3
a multifunctional rear shelf configured to move between a storage position in which the rear shelf is integral with the vehicle and extends from an upper end of the backrest of the second row of seats along the longitudinal axis partly into the trunk space and a support position, in which, in the folded position of the second row of seats, the rear shelf extends in the longitudinal distance between the first and second rows of seats
Implementation Method 4
a secondary floor secured to the motor vehicle in the storage position and in the support position and configured to move from the storage position, in which the secondary floor obstructs a housing in the floor of the vehicle, and the support position, in which the secondary floor extends from the second row of seats partly into the trunk space
Implementation Method 5
in the support position, the main portion of the rear shelf, the rear surface of the backrests of the second row of seats and the secondary floor together form a flat support surface extending in the XY plane, substantially horizontal and configured to receive equipment, such as an additional mattress or bed base
Data Source
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AI summary
Motor vehicle (1) comprising a floor (2) extending in a plane (XY) comprising a longitudinal axis (X) and a transverse axis (Y), a passenger compartment (6) comprising a first row (7) of at least one seat and a second row (8) of at least one seat spaced from the first row (7), the seat of the second row (8) comprising a seat (8a) and a backrest (8b) articulated relative to the seat (8a) between a position of use and a folded position in which the backrest (8b) extends along the longitudinal axis (X) of the vehicle, the vehicle (1) further comprising a trunk space (9) located at the rear of the second row (8) of seats.The vehicle comprises a multifunctional rear shelf (10) configured to move between a storage position in which the rear shelf (10) is integral with the vehicle (1) and extends from an upper end d of the backrest of the second row (8) of seats along the longitudinal axis (X) partly into the trunk space (9) and a support position, in which, in the folded position of the second row (8) of seats, the rear shelf (10) extends between the first and second rows of seats (7, 8) in the longitudinal continuity of an upper surface (8d) of the backrest of the second row (8) of seats.