Vehicle Storage Box Rail Mounting for Quick Secure Attachment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicles lack a secure and efficient system for reversibly attaching and detaching storage boxes, which complicates loading and unloading operations and often requires specialized tools.

Innovation Solution

A platform with parallel rails and complementary fixing means, such as clips and orifices, allows easy and tool-free attachment and detachment of storage boxes, ensuring they are securely held without play, and can be easily aligned for a unified appearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a reversible fixing system is used to attach boxes to the vehicle platform, then the ease of operation for loading and unloading is improved, but the reliability of box stabilization during vehicle movement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of box attachment and detachmentVSAvoidbox stabilization during vehicle movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system is segmented into multiple independent components: two parallel rails for positioning, a fixing means (such as a clip or latch) for attachment, and a complementary fixing means on the box. This segmentation allows the box to be easily attached by engaging these separate components while still achieving reliable stabilization through their coordinated action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing means acts as an intermediary element between the box and the platform. Instead of directly attaching the box to the platform, the fixing means (such as a clip engaging with a complementary fixing means) provides a controlled connection that enables easy attachment while maintaining secure stabilization during vehicle operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a secure fixing system with robust connection is used, then the reliability of box stabilization is improved, but the ease of operation for quick attachment and detachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebox stabilization during vehicle movementVSAvoidease of box attachment and detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system incorporates dynamic elements that allow for quick engagement and disengagement. The fixing means is designed to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling the box to be rapidly attached and detached without requiring complex manual operations, while maintaining secure stabilization when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple separate fixing means are used to secure the box, then the reliability of attachment is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidcomplexity of fixing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing system merges multiple functions into integrated components. The two parallel rails serve dual purposes: they guide the box into the correct position during attachment and act as stops to prevent movement during vehicle operation. This merging of guiding and stabilizing functions into single structural elements reduces overall system complexity while maintaining attachment security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4051535B1Automotive vehicle equipped with storage boxes
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 RENAULT SA
  • EP4051535B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4051535B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle (1) comprising a platform (3) and at least one box (4, 5, 6) attached to said platform (3). According to the invention, said platform (3) comprises at least one support zone for holding the box (4, 5, 6), said zone having two rails (20) and a fastening means (23) placed between said two rails (20), wherein said at least one box (4, 5, 6) has complementary fastening means and is placed between the two rails (20) such that the complementary fastening means of said box (4, 5, 6) co-operates with the fastening means (23) located between the two rails (20).