Removable Trunk Lid with Tool-Free Hinge Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
The cargo capacity of standard passenger vehicles is limited, making it difficult to carry large bulky items, as they lack the storage space and opening size of SUVs or trucks, which are less fuel-efficient and less maneuverable.
Innovation Solution
A passenger vehicle trunk structure with a removable trunk lid and a tool-free hinge release mechanism, along with a sliding rear window and a pivotable rear body panel, allowing for increased cargo access without the need for tools, maintaining fuel efficiency and maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a standard passenger vehicle is used, then fuel efficiency and maneuverability are maintained, but cargo capacity and opening size are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The trunk lid is divided into two separate lids: an upper trunk lid and a lower trunk lid. This segmentation allows the lower lid to be removed independently to create a larger opening for bulky items, while the upper lid remains for normal cargo access. The segmentation enables flexible adaptation between standard and expanded cargo configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge arrangement allows the lower trunk lid to be dynamically repositioned between a closed position (covering the lower opening), an open position (providing access to the cargo area), and a removed state (completely detached from the vehicle body). This dynamic capability enables the trunk structure to adapt to different cargo requirements.
2Quantity of substance
If an SUV or truck is used, then cargo capacity and opening size are increased, but fuel efficiency and maneuverability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the trunk lid into removable and fixed portions, the invention provides truck-like cargo access capability without requiring a full SUV or truck body. The removable lower lid creates a large opening similar to a pickup truck, while the vehicle retains a standard passenger vehicle weight and structure.
3Quantity of substance
If a removable trunk lid is implemented, then cargo capacity is increased, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge release mechanism includes a release handle that allows the lower trunk lid to be easily detached from the vehicle body without requiring tools or complex mechanical operations. The self-service design enables the user to independently remove or reattach the lid, simplifying the overall system while maintaining the cargo flexibility benefit.
Data Source
AI summary
A passenger vehicle trunk structure is provided with a trunk lid, a vehicle body, a hinge arrangement and a tool free hinge release mechanism. The vehicle body defines an interior cargo area with an exterior trunk access opening. The hinge arrangement is pivotally coupling the trunk lid to the vehicle body with the trunk lid being movable between a closed position that covers the exterior trunk access opening and an open position that exposes the exterior trunk access opening to provide access to the interior cargo area through the exterior trunk access opening. The tool free hinge release mechanism is operatively coupled to the hinge arrangement to release the trunk lid from the vehicle body.