Rotatable Vehicle Storage Assembly for Accessible Equipment Organization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional storage assemblies for wrecker vehicles lack accessibility due to fixed positions and lack of organizational features, leading to disorganized equipment and difficulty in retrieving items.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable vehicle storage assembly with a bracket, mounting plate, post, upper member, and lower member, featuring a locking mechanism to selectively fix the orientation, allowing for manual or automatic rotation and improved access to stored equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional stationary bars or shelves are used, then the storage assembly maintains a fixed position, but accessibility and ease of retrieving equipment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The storage assembly is transformed from a stationary structure to a rotatable one, allowing it to dynamically change position between a stowed position (flush with vehicle wall) and an accessible position (rotated outward). This enables equipment to be easily accessed while maintaining a compact fixed appearance when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage assembly is divided into multiple segments including the rotatable support structure, individual storage bins, and organizational dividers. This segmentation allows each component to be independently positioned and accessed, improving ease of operation while maintaining overall structural integrity.
2Ease of operation
If sliding racks are used to improve access, then accessibility improves, but the space claim and footprint increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of a linear sliding motion that requires extended space, the storage assembly uses rotational motion around a pivot point. This allows the entire storage unit to swing outward to an accessible position without requiring a large linear footprint, and returns to a compact stowed position when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage bins and organizational features are nested within the rotatable support structure, allowing them to be compactly stored when not in use and easily accessed when rotated into position, maximizing space utilization.
3Ease of operation
If traditional storage assemblies are used, then equipment can be stored, but organizational features are lacking leading to disorganized equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The storage bins are divided into multiple compartments and sections using removable dividers and organizational features. This segmentation allows equipment to be systematically organized by type, size, or frequency of use, making retrieval easier while maintaining a structured appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the storage assembly have different organizational features tailored to specific equipment types. For example, certain bins may have hooks for hanging tools, while others have stacked compartments for smaller items, optimizing organization for each local area.
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 solution enhances accessibility and organization of equipment by allowing the storage assembly to be rotated into various positions, facilitating easier access and maintaining a compact, reliable, and easy-to-use design.
Implementation Method 1
a locking member positioned to selectively fix the orientation of the post, the upper member, and the lower member
Implementation Method 2
The distal end of the post is rotatably coupled to the bracket and the proximal end of the post is rotatably coupled to the mounting plate
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle storage assembly includes a bracket, a mounting plate, a post having a distal end and a proximal end, an upper member defining a frame configured to support a rigging accessory, a lower member, and a locking member positioned to selectively fix the orientation of the post, the upper member, and the lower member. The distal end of the post is rotatably coupled to the bracket and the proximal end of the post is rotatably coupled to the mounting plate. The upper member includes an outer wall and a plurality of supports defining a plurality of stations, the plurality of supports coupling the outer wall to the post. The lower member includes an outer panel and a plurality of partitions defining a plurality of cavities configured to receive the rigging accessory, the plurality of partitions coupling the outer panel to the post.