Sliding Load Floor Flap Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding loading floors in passenger vehicles lack a barrier to prevent objects from falling when the loading floor is pulled out, particularly small items like PET bottles and umbrellas, and existing solutions require loosening holders or are unsightly.
Innovation Solution
A sliding loading floor system with a pivotally attached flap that unfolds to form a barrier when the loading floor is pulled out, utilizing a hinge and elastic elements for easy deployment and storage, and can be designed to cover the entire width of the luggage compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sliding loading floor is pulled out to extend reachability, then the user can access objects at the end of the trunk, but objects may fall off the front end of the loading floor
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed to be dynamically adjustable between a horizontal position (when the loading floor is retracted) and an unfolded vertical position (when the loading floor is extended). This dynamic transformation allows the barrier to appear only when needed, preventing objects from falling off while maintaining ease of operation during loading/unloading activities.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap acts as an intermediary element between the loading floor and the falling objects. When the loading floor is pulled out, the flap automatically unfolds to create a physical barrier that intercepts objects before they can fall off the front end, thus mediating the harmful effect without interfering with the user's ability to reach objects.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a barrier structure is added to prevent objects from falling, then objects are secured, but the device becomes more complex and may interfere with loading larger items
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier function is segmented from the main loading floor structure and implemented as a separate, movable flap. This segmentation allows the barrier to be independently controlled and deployed only when needed, rather than being a permanent structure that would complicate the overall design and interfere with loading larger items.
Solution Approach 2:
The flap's ability to transform between horizontal and vertical positions provides a dynamic solution that adapts to different operational needs. When loading larger items, the flap can be positioned horizontally to avoid interference, while still providing object security when extended to the vertical position during normal operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent barrier structure is installed, then objects are prevented from falling, but the loading floor cannot be easily removed or adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The flap is designed with a hinge connection that allows it to pivot between horizontal and vertical positions, providing adaptability without requiring permanent installation. This dynamic characteristic enables the loading floor to be adjusted or removed as needed while the flap remains attached, maintaining object security during operation but allowing flexibility when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge connection acts as an intermediary mechanism that attaches the flap to the loading floor in a non-permanent manner. This allows the flap to provide its barrier function while still enabling the loading floor to be easily adjusted or removed, as the hinge allows for simple detachment without complex fastening systems.
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 flap effectively prevents objects from falling by forming an obtuse or right angle with the floor panel, allowing for easy loading of larger items and providing a secure barrier without the need to loosen holders, while being aesthetically integrated with the vehicle's design.
Implementation Method 1
A flap (8) is pivotally attached to the front edge of the floor panel (7) and is adjustable between a horizontal position, in which it lies essentially in the plane of the floor panel (7), and an unfolded position
Implementation Method 2
utilizing a hinge and elastic elements for easy deployment and storage
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sliding load floor, in particular a sliding load floor in the trunk of a passenger vehicle, comprising at least one floor panel (7) that is slidably mounted in the guide (6) from its front end position to the rear towards the loading opening. A flap (8) is pivotably associated with the front edge of the floor panel (7), the flap being adjustable between a horizontal position, in which it lies essentially in the plane of the floor panel (7), and the unfolded position, in which it forms an obtuse or essentially right angle with this plane, wherein in the front end position of the sliding load floor (2) the flap (8) is in the horizontal position and outside this end position of the load floor (2) it is in the unfolded position.