Tambour Cargo Deck with Track System for Adjustable Volume
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The cargo area in vehicles such as sport-utility vehicles and mini vans is typically fixed in size by the manufacturer's design, limiting the ability to adjust the volume of the cargo space, and existing solutions do not provide a practical means to easily move a tambour cargo deck between multiple positions.
Innovation Solution
A track system with multiple cargo floor positions is integrated into the vehicle's interior, allowing a tambour cargo deck to be slidably moved between positions, including a third storage position that reveals a spare tire area, using ribs made from composite or metal materials and a handle for easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed cargo floor is used, then the structural simplicity and manufacturing ease are improved, but the adaptability of the cargo area volume is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo floor is divided into a fixed portion and a movable tambour cargo deck portion. The tambour cargo deck can be segmented into multiple positions along the track system, allowing the cargo area volume to be adjusted by moving between these segmented positions while keeping the overall structure simple and easy to manufacture.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable tambour cargo deck is added, then the adaptability of the cargo area volume is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is merged with the existing interior trim panels of the vehicle, integrating the adjustment mechanism into the existing structure rather than adding separate complex components. The tambour cargo deck combines multiple functional elements including the deck surface, ribs for structural support, and integration with the track system into a single unified component.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cargo floor positions are provided, then the versatility of the cargo area is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tambour cargo deck is designed to be movable along the track system by the user without requiring complex mechanisms or tools. The handle attached to the tambour cargo deck enables easy gripping and manual sliding between positions, allowing the system to serve itself through simple user interaction rather than requiring complex actuation systems.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for adjusting the cargo area of a vehicle. The apparatus comprises a support structure having a track system. The track system includes a first track portion defining a first cargo floor position, a second track portion defining a second cargo floor position and a third track portion defining a cargo floor storage position. A tambour cargo deck is supported by the track system, and movable from the first or second cargo floor position to the cargo floor storage position, and movable from the cargo floor storage position to the first or second cargo floor position. In this way, the cargo area can be increased or decreased as desired. The method comprises sliding the tambour cargo deck from the first cargo floor position to the storage position and sliding the tambour cargo deck from the storage position to the second cargo floor position.