Reversible Luggage Shelf Mounting for Tailgate Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for reversible mounting of a cover shelf on a motor vehicle tailgate are prone to component breakage due to excessive loading or collision from bulky objects, as they provide a fixed mounting that does not accommodate varying loads or impacts effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system with upper and lower interlocking means on the shelf and tailgate, respectively, allowing for rotation along a transverse axis while remaining secured, enabling the shelf to adjust its position during heavy loading or tailgate closure by disengaging specific interlocking mechanisms to absorb stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed mounting system is used for the cover shelf, then the shelf is securely attached to the tailgate, but the system is prone to component breakage under excessive loading or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic system with two distinct mounting states: a first state with both upper and lower interlocking means engaged for normal operation, and a second state where the shelf can rotate downward along a transverse axis when the lower interlocking means disengages under excessive load. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliability while protecting components from breakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is segmented into separate upper and lower interlocking means, allowing independent engagement and disengagement of each level. The upper interlocking means includes a upper interlocking finger and upper reciprocal interlocking finger, while the lower interlocking means includes a lower interlocking finger and lower reciprocal interlocking finger. This segmentation enables selective disengagement of the lower means under load while maintaining upper connection, preventing complete failure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the shelf is rigidly fixed to the tailgate, then mounting stability is maintained, but the system cannot accommodate bulky objects during tailgate closure
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic adaptability by allowing the shelf to rotate downward along a transverse axis when the lower interlocking means disengages under impact from bulky objects during tailgate closure. This rotational movement accommodates the bulky object while the upper interlocking means remains engaged to maintain overall stability and prevent complete detachment.
3Reliability
If the interlocking means are permanently engaged, then the shelf remains securely mounted, but the system cannot release under excessive load or impact
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking system transitions from a permanent engagement state to a reversible state. The lower interlocking means can disengage and allow the shelf to rotate downward under excessive load or impact, while the upper interlocking means remains engaged. After the cause is removed, the shelf can be repositioned and re-engaged, providing both reliability during normal operation and adaptability when abnormal conditions occur.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention concerns a system (1) fixedly mounting the panel (2) relative to the tailgate (3), said system comprising: a mounting bracket (4) rigidly connected to a rear edge of said panel, said bracket comprising an upper engagement means (5) and a lower engagement means (6) for engaging on said tailgate; a reciprocal upper engagement means (7) and a reciprocal lower engagement means (8) rigidly connected to said tailgate, said means and reciprocal means being respectively arranged in such a way as to allow said lower means - or respectively said upper means - to disengage while leaving said upper means - or respectively said lower means - engaged together, such that said panel can rotate in one direction or the other around a transverse axis passing through said upper means - or respectively said lower means - while remaining rigidly connected to said tailgate.