Vehicle Storage Tray Retention Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage trays for vehicle cargo areas are difficult to install or remove, often requiring multiple steps and active fastening mechanisms, which can frustrate users and negatively impact the vehicle's appearance when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A retention structure with an upper, vertical, arcuate, and angled portion that secures a storage tray through a coupling mechanism, preventing unintentional decoupling in forward, rearward, and vertical directions, allowing for easy installation and removal while maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional clips or active fastening arrangements are used to secure the storage tray, then the storage tray can be securely retained, but the installation and removal process becomes difficult and requires multiple steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the complex active fastening mechanisms and clips from the retention structure, extracting only the essential geometric features (vertical portion, arcuate portion, and angled portion) needed to secure the storage tray. This simplification allows easy installation and removal while maintaining secure retention through the coupling portion's interaction with these simplified geometric elements.
2Ease of operation
If clipless privacy or storage implements are used to simplify installation, then the fastening process becomes easier, but large retention structures in the trim panel negatively affect the vehicle's appearance when the storage implement is not installed
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure is segmented into distinct functional portions (vertical portion for engagement, arcuate portion for guidance, angled portion for support) that are minimally invasive to the trim panel. This segmentation allows the retention features to be distributed efficiently, providing secure attachment while minimizing visual impact when the storage tray is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention structure features localized geometric elements with specific functions at different positions. The vertical portion provides engagement points, the arcuate portion provides guidance, and the angled portion provides support. This local differentiation allows each feature to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall aesthetic integrity of the trim panel.
3Shape
If a simple retention structure is used to improve aesthetics, then the appearance is maintained, but the storage tray may unintentionally decouple during vehicle maneuvers
Solution Approach 1:
The retention structure employs asymmetric geometric features where the vertical portion, arcuate portion, and angled portion are configured with specific orientations and dimensions that provide secure retention in multiple directions. The asymmetry ensures that the coupling portion engages properly and prevents unintentional decoupling during vehicle maneuvers while maintaining a clean aesthetic appearance.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle cargo area includes a retention structure having an upper portion, a vertical portion, an arcuate portion, and an angled portion. The vehicle cargo area further includes a storage tray having a coupling portion that removably couples to the retention structure by passing over the vertical portion and engages with the vertical portion such that the coupling portion is secured in the retention structure.