Rotating Cargo Protrusions for Space-Constrained Vehicle Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle luggage compartment organizational systems occupy valuable space when not in use and interfere with the cargo area, as they include fixed protrusions that do not fold or retract efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage system featuring a support attached to the roof with pivotable protrusions that can rotate from a vertical to a horizontal position, allowing them to be stored flush against the support when not in use, thus minimizing space usage and enabling efficient storage of larger or bulkier items.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed protrusions are used in organizational systems, then organizational function is provided, but cargo area space is reduced and interference with cargo use occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions are designed to be rotatable about a pivot axis, transitioning between a vertical deployed position (providing organizational function) and a horizontal retracted position (minimizing cargo area interference). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt its spatial footprint based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions utilize rotational movement around a pivot axis to change their spatial orientation from extending into the cargo area (vertical) to lying flat against the support (horizontal). This dimensional transformation allows the same component to serve both organizational and space-saving functions.
2Ease of operation
If organizational systems are installed in cargo areas, then item storage organization is improved, but available storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rotatable protrusions can be positioned vertically to organize items during loading/unloading operations, then rotated horizontally to maximize storage volume when organization is not needed. This dynamic adjustment resolves the conflict between organizational utility and storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The organizational function is extracted from a fixed structure and implemented through movable, rotatable protrusions that can be deployed only when needed. This allows the cargo area to maintain full volume availability while providing organizational capability on demand.
3Strength
If fixed projections extend into cargo area, then structural support is provided, but cargo area usability is interfered with
Solution Approach 1:
The projections are made rotatable rather than fixed, allowing them to maintain structural support capability when deployed vertically while eliminating interference with cargo operations when rotated horizontally. The pivot mechanism preserves structural integrity while enabling operational flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle cargo system includes a support fixed to a roof of the cargo system. The support has a first edge and a second edge. The vehicle cargo system further includes a plurality of protrusions intermittently disposed laterally across the support. The plurality of protrusions is rotatable about the first edge from a vertical to a horizontal position wherein rotating the hooks about the first edge toward the roof attaches the hooks to the second edge of the support. The protrusions allow the vehicle cargo system to support objects capable of being hung.