Reversible Cargo Bin Lid Pivoting to Load Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo bin lids in vehicles do not function as load-supporting floors, are not removable, lack level and moisture-proof surfaces, and fail to align with adjacent seatbacks when folded forward, leading to inefficiencies in cargo stowage and retention.
Innovation Solution
A reversible cargo bin lid that doubles as a load floor, featuring a flat, moisture-retaining surface and an inclined surface, manufactured as a single lightweight plastic part for easy access and cleaning, which can pivot to align with folded seatbacks and secure cargo effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the cargo bin lid is made as a fixed structure, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the adaptability to different cargo configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo bin lid is made pivotable at the rear edge, allowing it to rotate between a closed position (covering the cargo bin) and an open position (forming a load floor). This dynamic movement enables the same structure to serve multiple functions: cargo protection when closed and load support when open, thereby improving adaptability without requiring multiple separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The lid structure is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a cargo bin cover when closed, and as a load-bearing floor surface when opened. The inclined surface and level surface configurations allow it to adapt to different cargo loading scenarios, eliminating the need for separate cargo bin lids and load floors
2Ease of operation
If the cargo bin lid is made removable, then the ease of cleaning is improved, but the structural integrity and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is designed with a pivot hinge at the rear edge, allowing it to be easily rotated between closed and open positions. This dynamic mechanism provides easy access for cleaning the cargo bin interior while maintaining a secure, fixed connection during normal operation, thus achieving both ease of cleaning and structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The lid is separated from the cargo bin body as a distinct, movable component that can be independently manipulated. This segmentation allows the lid to be opened for cleaning access while remaining structurally integrated through the hinge connection, providing both maintenance accessibility and structural stability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cargo bin lid surface is made inclined, then the alignment with folded seatbacks is improved, but the moisture retention capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The lid surface is designed with different local characteristics: an inclined surface portion that aligns with folded seatbacks for cargo alignment, and a level surface portion (formed when the lid is in the closed position) that provides moisture retention for cargo protection. Each local area of the surface is optimized for its specific function
Solution Approach 2:
The lid's ability to pivot between closed and open positions dynamically changes the effective surface orientation. When closed, the surface is level for moisture retention; when opened, the surface becomes inclined for alignment with seatbacks. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same surface to provide both moisture retention and alignment functions at different operational states
Data Source
AI summary
A reversible lid of a cargo bin also function as a cargo load floor. The cargo load floor is located behind a rear passenger seat and above a spare tire. When the lid is closed, a first flat loading surface is parallel to the ground upon which the vehicle rests while the opposite side of the lid defines the second flat loading surface that is angled with respect to the ground but 180 degrees to the rear surface of a folded forward rear passenger seat to create a smooth continuous loading surface to slide cargo onto the rear surface of the rear seat. A peripheral protruding portion surrounds the first flat loading surface to retain cargo while grooves in the loading surface may accommodate any deposition of water and mud from cargo. The load floor pivots to open while at opposite corners locking tabs secure into holes to lock the load floor closed.