Retractable Cargo Floor Assembly for Recessed Storage Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo floor systems in motor vehicles lack efficient access mechanisms for recessed storage compartments, requiring the removal of bulky floor liners to access items like spare wheels and tires.

Innovation Solution

A retractable floor assembly with a drive mechanism and guide tracks allows the floor to move between stowed and deployed positions, using a drive motor and linkage system with a roller to wind the floor onto a housing, enabling easy access to the storage compartment without removing the floor liner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a fixed floor liner is used to cover the storage compartment, then the aesthetic appearance and structural integrity are improved, but the ease of access to stored items deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidease of access to storage compartment

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The floor liner is transformed from a static fixed structure to a dynamic retractable structure that can move between covering and exposing the storage compartment. The retractable floor assembly includes a floor panel that can be pulled back along guide rails to reveal the storage compartment, allowing easy access without compromising the aesthetic appearance when closed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the floor liner is made removable for access, then the ease of access to storage compartment is improved, but the structural integrity and aesthetic appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to storage compartmentVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The floor liner is divided into a fixed base portion and a retractable floor panel. The fixed base portion maintains structural integrity and aesthetic appearance, while the retractable panel provides access functionality. The panel can be independently moved along guide rails without affecting the stability of the overall floor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a retractable floor mechanism is added, then the ease of access to storage compartment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to storage compartmentVSAvoidmechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Guide rails are introduced as intermediary elements to facilitate the movement of the retractable floor panel. The guide rails provide a simple track system that constrains the panel's movement to a linear path, reducing the complexity of the retraction mechanism while enabling easy access to the storage compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10457218B2Cargo floor system including a retractable floor assembly

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

A cargo floor system includes a floor pan and a retractable floor assembly. The floor pan includes a recessed storage compartment and an access opening in communication with the recessed storage compartment. The retractable floor assembly includes a retractable floor spanning the access opening and a drive mechanism displacing the retractable floor between a deployed position closing the access opening and a stowed position opening the access opening.