Rotating Front Parcel Shelf for Tailgate Opening

Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicles with trunk compartments extending in the front-rear direction, existing parcel shelf structures cannot be opened fully when the tailgate is opened, leading to an oppressive feeling and limited access for loading/unloading baggage.

Innovation Solution

A parcel shelf divided into a front and rear section, where the front shelf is rotatably supported by the vehicle body and the rear shelf is fixed to the tailgate, allowing the front shelf to rotate away from the rear shelf as the tailgate opens, thereby increasing the opening size and facilitating easier access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a single-piece parcel shelf is used with the rear end linked to the tailgate by straps, then the shelf can be opened by the straps when the tailgate is opened, but the opening of the shelf cannot be kept largely when the tailgate is opened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf opening operationVSAvoidshelf opening area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The parcel shelf is divided into a front shelf and a rear shelf as separate components. The front shelf is rotatably supported by the vehicle body while the rear shelf is fixed to the tailgate. This segmentation allows the rear shelf to move independently with the tailgate opening, creating a larger opening area between the two shelves when the tailgate is opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Area of moving object

If the parcel shelf is divided into front and rear parts with the rear shelf fixed to the tailgate, then the opening area is increased, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshelf opening areaVSAvoidshelf structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The parcel shelf is divided into a front shelf and a rear shelf as separate components. The front shelf is rotatably supported by the vehicle body while the rear shelf is fixed to the tailgate. This segmentation allows the rear shelf to move independently with the tailgate opening, creating a larger opening area between the two shelves when the tailgate is opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front shelf and rear shelf are combined to form an integrated parcel shelf assembly that functions as a single unit when closed. When the tailgate is opened, the rear shelf moves with the tailgate while the front shelf remains relatively stationary, creating a useful opening space between them. This merging approach maintains structural simplicity while achieving the desired opening area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the front shelf is rotatably supported and connected to the tailgate by straps, then the shelf can open with tailgate operation, but the access for loading/unloading baggage is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetailgate operationVSAvoidbaggage access

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The parcel shelf is divided into a front shelf and a rear shelf as separate components. The front shelf is rotatably supported by the vehicle body while the rear shelf is fixed to the tailgate. This segmentation allows the rear shelf to move independently with the tailgate opening, creating a larger opening area between the two shelves when the tailgate is opened.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The front shelf is designed to be rotatably supported by the vehicle body, allowing it to dynamically adjust its position. When the tailgate is opened, the front shelf can rotate to maintain its position while the rear shelf moves with the tailgate, creating a dynamic opening configuration that facilitates easier access for loading and unloading baggage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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

This design allows for a larger opening when the tailgate is opened, reducing the oppressive feeling and enhancing loading/unloading of baggage by providing greater access to the trunk compartment.

Implementation Method 1

the front shelf is rotatable around an axis of the front end by the strap in accordance with the opening operation of the tailgate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS8172296B2Parcel shelf structure

Publication Date: 2012.05.08 HONDA MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

An object of the present invention is to provide a parcel shelf structure whose opening can be kept largely when the tailgate is opened. In order to achieve the above object, a parcel shelf comprising: a front shelf having a front end rotatably supported by a vehicle body; a rear shelf fixed to a tailgate; and a strap to connect the tailgate to a position apart from the front end of the front shelf in a rear direction, in which when the tailgate is opened, the front shelf is apart from the rear shelf, and when the tailgate is closed, the front shelf is in touch with the rear shelf is provided.