Vehicle Storage Box Mounting with Centering and Auto-Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicles with storage boxes lack a secure and efficient mechanism for easily attaching and detaching boxes, leading to instability and complexity in handling and alignment.

Innovation Solution

A vehicle platform with centering and fixing means, including movable locking members and complementary fixing elements, ensures precise positioning and secure attachment of boxes without play, facilitated by motorization or sensors for automatic locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple box fixing mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of box attachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing mechanism complexityVSAvoidbox attachment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking members are nested within a housing structure, with the locking members able to extend from and retract into the housing. This nesting approach consolidates multiple components (locking members, housing, mounting means) into a compact integrated unit that maintains reliability while controlling complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking members are designed to automatically engage with the box positioning means when the box is placed on the platform, and can be automatically actuated by a sensor-detectable movement. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention, reducing operational complexity while ensuring reliable attachment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual locking mechanism is used, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the extent of automation is lowered

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebox attachment easeVSAvoidlocking mechanism automation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates sensors that automatically detect when a box is placed on the platform and trigger the locking members to engage with the box positioning means. This self-service automation allows the box to be securely locked without manual intervention, greatly enhancing ease of operation while introducing appropriate automation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical locking operation is replaced with an automated sensor-based actuation system. The sensor detects box placement and automatically actuates the locking members, substituting manual mechanical operation with an automated sensing and actuation system that improves ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Device complexity

If no centering means is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision of box positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecentering means complexityVSAvoidbox positioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The centering means utilizes asymmetric geometric features (such as tapered surfaces or offset positioning elements) that naturally guide the box into the correct centered position on the platform. This asymmetric design provides self-aligning functionality that ensures precise box positioning without requiring complex active control mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The centering means is designed to pre-position the box on the platform before the locking members engage. By providing preliminary alignment through geometric constraints or guiding surfaces, the system ensures the box is correctly positioned in advance, eliminating the need for complex real-time adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4051534B1Automotive vehicle equipped with storage boxes
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 RENAULT SA
  • EP4051534B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4051534B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4051534B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle (1) comprising a platform (5) and at least one box fixed to said platform (5). According to the invention, said platform (6) comprises at least one support region (19) for holding a box (6, 7, 8, 9) on the vehicle (1), said at least one region (19) having centering means (21) of the box and a fastening means (24) of said box placed in central position in said region (19), wherein the box has a complementary fastening means (27) capable of cooperating with the fastening means (24) to tightly hold the box against the platform (5) and to block it along a vertical axis Z.