Seatback Trunk Shelf With Adjustable Support for Secure Cargo

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current solutions for cargo space organization in SUVs and CUVs fail to effectively utilize the vertical space and provide secure storage for items during transit, lacking versatility and ease of installation.

Innovation Solution

A repositionable trunk shelf system with adjustable height, a restraining bar, cargo netting, vertical dividers, and a detachable track system that allows for customizable storage solutions, easy installation without tools, and the ability to collapse for stowage, featuring a sturdy belt system and collapsible legs for added support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid, fixed shelf is installed to provide stable storage, then storage stability is improved, but adaptability to different vehicle configurations and ease of stowage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to vehicle configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf system employs dynamic components including telescoping legs that can extend and retract, an adjustable angle mechanism that allows the shelf to pivot between vertical and horizontal positions, and a movable restraining bar that can be positioned at different heights. These dynamic features enable the shelf to adapt to various vehicle configurations while maintaining storage stability when deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf is divided into separable components including the shelf body, telescoping legs, restraining bar, and angle adjustment mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently adjusted or repositioned to suit different storage needs and vehicle configurations, while also enabling complete stowage when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the shelf is made fully adjustable to accommodate different vehicle configurations, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity and ease of installation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniversal fitVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shelf system comes pre-assembled with the angle adjustment mechanism and locking pins already installed. The telescoping legs are pre-configured with lock positions, and the restraining bar is pre-attached to the shelf body. This preliminary preparation allows for tool-free installation by simply positioning the shelf and engaging the pre-installed locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The shelf incorporates self-adjusting features such as automatic locking pins that engage when the shelf is positioned correctly, and telescoping legs with self-locking mechanisms. The angle adjustment mechanism allows the shelf to self-align with the vehicle seatback, reducing the need for complex manual adjustments during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Volume of moving object

If the shelf is extended to maximize cargo space utilization, then storage capacity is improved, but structural stability and ease of stowage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo space utilizationVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The telescoping legs can be extended to provide additional support when the shelf is deployed in the horizontal position, enhancing structural stability. The angle adjustment mechanism allows the shelf to be positioned at optimal angles for different cargo configurations. When not in use, the shelf can be collapsed to a compact vertical position for easy stowage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The telescoping legs are designed to extend beforehand to provide structural support before heavy items are placed on the shelf. The angle adjustment mechanism is pre-configured to position the shelf at stable angles that prevent tipping. The restraining bar can be extended upward beforehand to secure tall items before they are loaded onto the shelf.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the restraining bar is extended upward to secure tall items, then storage versatility is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage versatilityVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The restraining bar is designed as a telescoping component that can be extended upward along guide rails when tall items need to be secured. The bar locks into place at extended positions using simple latch mechanisms. This dynamic extension capability provides storage versatility for various item heights while maintaining ease of operation through straightforward extend and lock actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11858466B2Trunk shelf system
Publication Date: 2024.01.02 GANDOLFO ALEXANDRA CASTIELLO
  • US11858466B2 patent drawing
  • US11858466B2 patent drawing
  • US11858466B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A trunk shelf system for mounting onto a seat back of a vehicle includes a support structure configured to be secured to the seat back; and a shelf movably mounted to the support structure, the shelf being movable between a stowed position and a deployed position, the shelf having a bottom surface providing a primary support surface and a supplemental support surface that is movable from a retracted position to an extended position when the shelf is in the deployed position.