Sliding Vehicle Storage Door With Fold-Out Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage solutions for vehicles lack efficient and flexible configurations to maximize storage space while ensuring safety and convenience, particularly in last mile delivery vehicles where space is limited.

Innovation Solution

A storage apparatus for vehicles featuring a door slidably coupled to a back panel, with a support structure that unfolds or folds in conjunction with the door movement, allowing the door to be positioned in multiple configurations to optimize storage space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed storage structure is used in the passenger seat region, then structural simplicity is maintained, but storage space flexibility and spatial utilization are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space flexibilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between folded and unfolded states. The support panel can rotate around a hinge axis and slide along guide rails, enabling the storage apparatus to adapt between different spatial configurations - maximizing storage capacity when needed and minimizing obstruction to driver sight when not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure is divided into multiple components including the support panel, hinge mechanism, guide rails, and locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently while contributing to the overall flexibility of the storage system, resolving the contradiction between complexity and adaptability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of moving object

If the door is positioned to maximize storage space, then spatial utilization is improved, but driver sight may be obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space volumeVSAvoiddriver sight obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The door assembly with the support structure can dynamically adjust its position between a folded state (when storage is not needed) and an unfolded state (when storage is needed). This dynamic positioning allows the system to maximize storage volume when the support structure is unfolded while maintaining clear driver sight when folded, eliminating the harmful effect of permanent obstruction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure includes a locking mechanism that secures the door in the desired position. This preliminary action of locking ensures that once the door is positioned for storage, it remains stable without requiring continuous adjustment, while also allowing easy retrieval when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If a collapsible storage container is used, then space flexibility is improved, but structural stability and reliability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace flexibilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions smoothly between folded and unfolded states through controlled movement along guide rails and rotation around hinges. The locking mechanism ensures that when unfolded, the structure achieves a stable, reliable configuration that can safely contain goods, while maintaining flexibility to collapse when not in use

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rails and hinge mechanisms are designed to control the movement of the support panel during transitions, preventing sudden collapses or unstable intermediate positions. This beforehand design of controlled movement paths ensures structural reliability during the dynamic transition between states

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

Data Source

PatentEP4375143B1Storage apparatus for vehicle and vehicle including the same
Publication Date: 2025.06.04 HYUNDAI MOBIS CO LTD
  • EP4375143B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4375143B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4375143B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is a storage apparatus that includes a door (1100), slidably coupled to a back panel (110) of a vehicle. The storage apparatus includes a support structure (1200), connected to the door, that can be unfolded or folded in conjunction with movement of the door and supports the door.