Sliding Cargo Platform Assembly With Opening Cover Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo area designs do not efficiently provide access to cargo without the need to climb onto the cargo bed, and lack a seamless solution for covering exposed openings when the main floor section is extended.
Innovation Solution
A platform assembly comprising a slidable floor panel with a rail assembly and a movable cover panel that extends beyond the cargo area, allowing the main section to slide between rest and extended positions, and a motor-driven latch assembly for easy access, with a cover panel that transitions between stowed and deployed positions to cover the opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the main section is extended beyond the cargo area to improve access to cargo, then ease of operation is improved, but an opening is exposed which compromises cargo protection
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is designed to be movable between a stowed position (when main section is retracted) and a deployed position (when main section is extended). This dynamic configuration allows the system to adapt to different operational states, providing cargo protection only when the opening is exposed, while maintaining ease of access during extended operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cover panel is added to protect the opening when extended, then cargo protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover panel is integrated with the existing floor panel structure and rail assembly. The cover panel shares the same mounting points and movement mechanism as the main section, combining multiple functions (protection, structural support, and integration with existing rails) into a single unified component rather than adding a separate independent system.
3Ease of operation
If the main section is made slidable for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but stability of the floor panel composition deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floor panel is segmented into a fixed portion and a movable main section that can slide independently. This segmentation allows the main section to move for access while the fixed portion remains stable and anchored to the vehicle frame, maintaining overall structural integrity while enabling mobility where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the movable main section and the fixed floor panel structure. The rails provide guided movement and structural support, mediating between the sliding action and the overall floor stability, ensuring the main section moves smoothly while maintaining positional control and structural rigidity.
Data Source
AI summary
A platform assembly for a cargo area of a vehicle includes a floor panel and a cover panel. The floor panel includes a main section slidable between a rest position in which the main section is substantially within the cargo area of the vehicle and an extended position in which the main section extends beyond the cargo area of the vehicle. An opening in the floor panel is exposed when the main section is in the extended position. The cover panel is movable between a stowed position and a deployed position. The cover panel is configured to cover the opening exposed in the floor panel when the main section is in the deployed position.