Through-Body Storage Door Step for Cargo Bed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric vehicles face challenges in effectively utilizing storage space, leading to low rates of utilization due to inefficient configuration.
Innovation Solution
An integrated storage compartment system in automotive vehicles that combines a closable storage compartment with a step function, allowing the door to open downward and serve as a weight-bearing step, providing unobstructed storage space and enhanced accessibility to the cargo bed or trunk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the door is designed to open downward to provide a step function, then accessibility to the cargo bed or trunk is enhanced, but the structural complexity of the door assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the door and step into a single integrated assembly. The door when opened downward serves simultaneously as both a closure for the storage compartment and a weight-bearing step for accessing the cargo bed or trunk, eliminating the need for separate step structures and reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-functional design
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a closure for the storage compartment when closed, and transforms into a load-bearing step when opened. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, addressing the accessibility improvement while managing structural complexity
2Productivity
If the storage compartment is positioned forward of the cargo space, then storage space utilization is enhanced, but the available space for cargo loading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the rear vehicle space into two distinct functional zones: a storage compartment positioned forward that provides secure enclosed storage, and a cargo bed area behind it that remains accessible and unobstructed. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific purpose - the storage compartment for organized storage and the cargo bed for bulk loading - thereby improving overall storage utilization without significantly compromising cargo space
3Ease of operation
If the door serves as a weight-bearing step, then accessibility is improved, but the door structure requires enhanced strength and support
Solution Approach 1:
The door is pre-configured with integrated support structures and reinforcement elements built into its design before use. These preliminary structural provisions ensure that when the door is opened to serve as a step, it already has the necessary strength and support geometry to bear human weight safely, eliminating the need for additional strengthening modifications
Data Source
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AI summary
An automotive vehicle with a storage compartment has a cabin, a set of rear wheels located behind the cabin, a cargo space, and a closable integrated storage compartment located adjacent to the cabin, rearward of a rear-most seat of the automotive vehicle, and forward of the set of rear wheels. At least a portion of the storage compartment is positioned forward of a forward wall of the cargo space. Tire storage compartment has at least one sidewall enclosing an interior portion of the storage compartment and extending from a first side panel at a first side of the automotive vehicle toward a second side of the automotive vehicle, a first opening to the storage compartment at the first side of the automotive vehicle, and a first door at the first opening. The first door has a first step member with a horizontal step surface when open.