Tailgate Storage Rack Layout for Secure Vehicle Safety Equipment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Portable functional equipment in vehicles is often stored haphazardly, leading to movement and noise during driving, and can be hidden under luggage, requiring manual recall.

Innovation Solution

A storage gallery is integrated into the vehicle's internal trim, providing additional space for securely storing safety items like warning triangles and vests, with removable trims and optional compartments for organized storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If portable functional equipment is stored in haphazard manner in limited spaces, then storage flexibility is improved, but device stability and noise reduction deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage flexibilityVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate is segmented into functional zones: the storage gallery for portable equipment, the rear trunk for bulk items, and the openable trim for quick access. This segmentation allows each zone to serve its specific purpose optimally, preventing mixing of items and ensuring stable storage conditions for safety equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage gallery is nested within the tailgate's internal trim structure, utilizing the existing thickness of the trim to create a dedicated storage channel. This nested design provides stable, confined space for portable equipment without adding external attachments that could move during driving.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of stationary object

If portable functional equipment is stored in inaccessible corners, then storage space utilization is improved, but ease of access deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space utilizationVSAvoidease of access
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The storage gallery is pre-positioned in the most accessible location (the tailgate) before the driving situation arises. Safety equipment is stored in advance in this easily accessible location, eliminating the need to search through the trunk or remember hidden storage locations during emergencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate serves multiple functions: it acts as a closure for the rear trunk, provides structural support, and houses the storage gallery for portable equipment. The trim covering the gallery can also be opened independently for quick access, making the same structure serve both secure storage and rapid retrieval functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of stationary object

If additional storage space is created in the tailgate, then storage capacity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The internal trim of the tailgate serves dual purposes: it provides structural coverage and simultaneously houses the storage gallery. The existing thickness of the trim is utilized to create the storage channel, eliminating the need for separate storage components and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The storage gallery is merged with the tailgate's internal trim structure, combining the functions of structural coverage and equipment storage in a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for separate storage boxes or attachments, maintaining simplicity while increasing storage capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4431341B1Vehicle with a storage space for portable functional equipment
Publication Date: 2025.07.30 RENAULT SA
  • EP4431341B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4431341B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4431341B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a vehicle (1) comprising a tailgate (2) pivotally mounted between a closed position, in which it closes a rear compartment (3) of said vehicle, and an open position, in which it allows access to said rear compartment (3). The tailgate (2) comprises a panel (8) and a housing (9) forming an internal lining of said tailgate (2) and which is fixed to said panel (8). According to the invention, a storage rack (13) extending along a transverse axis Y of the vehicle is provided within the housing (9) and is closed off by the panel (8). The two ends of said storage rack (13), considered along said transverse axis Y, each open onto the exterior of said housing (9).