Retractable Cargo Cover With Inertial Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Motor vehicles with three rows of seating face challenges in securely and conveniently carrying large cargo items due to the need for versatile cargo management systems that adapt to various seat configurations.

Innovation Solution

A retractable cargo cover system with a roll, flexible cover, retractor, and inertial locking system, which can be mounted on second and third row seats, utilizing spring-loaded mounting elements and multiple mounting points to secure cargo, and features an inertial locking mechanism for safety during impacts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the third row seats are folded down to form a flat floor with the cargo area, then the cargo carrying capacity is improved, but the complexity of securing cargo increases due to varying seat configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo carrying capacityVSAvoidcargo securing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable cargo cover assembly is designed to be universally applicable across multiple seat configurations. It can be mounted on either the second or third row seats, and the flexible cover can be positioned at different locations along its length to accommodate various cargo sizes and seat positions, providing a single solution for multiple cargo securing needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible cover is designed to be dynamically positionable along its length, allowing the user to adjust its position to match different seat configurations. The cover can be extended or retracted to different positions depending on whether the second or third row seats are folded down, adapting to changing cargo space requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a retractable cargo cover system is mounted on movable seats, then the versatility for different cargo configurations is improved, but the reliability of cargo securing during vehicle impact may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo configuration versatilityVSAvoidcargo securing reliability during impact

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inertial locking system is designed to preemptively counteract the effects of vehicle impact. When deceleration forces exceed a threshold (indicating an impact), the locking mechanism automatically engages to prevent the flexible cover from moving forward, thereby preliminarily counteracting the inertial forces that would otherwise compromise cargo securing reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The inertial locking system converts the harmful effect of vehicle impact (which would normally cause the flexible cover to move and compromise cargo security) into a beneficial triggering mechanism. The impact itself activates the locking system, transforming the harmful inertial forces into the activation signal that secures the cargo more firmly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Ease of operation

If spring-loaded mounting elements are used to facilitate quick installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidsocket and mounting element alignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting elements are designed with spring loading that creates a force field accommodating small misalignments between the mounting element and socket. The spring force compensates for minor positioning variations, allowing the mounting elements to engage the sockets even when perfect alignment is not achieved, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #12Equipotentiality

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

The system provides enhanced versatility and utility by securely holding cargo in various vehicle configurations, ensuring items remain in place during operation and offering protection against inertial forces, thus enhancing cargo management and safety.

Implementation Method 1

The retractor may be a torsion spring

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion spring: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

the retractable cargo cover assembly may also include an inertial locking system for locking the roll and the flexible cover in a set position in response to a vehicle impact

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial locking: Inertia

Implementation Method 3

At least one mounting element of the set of opposed mounting elements may be spring-loaded and biased into an extended position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring loading: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9975491B2Retractable cargo cover system

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A retractable cargo cover system is provided for a motor vehicle having three rows of seating. That retractable cargo cover system includes a first receiver carried on a second row seat, a second receiver carried on a third row seat and a retractable cargo cover assembly. The retractable cargo cover assembly may be selectively mounted in the first receiver or the second receiver as desired by the vehicle operator.