Telescopic Cargo Partition With Interlocking Plastic Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing partition assemblies for vehicle cargo areas are either fixed in length, not adaptable to different vehicle types, or have complex and costly adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A partition assembly comprising two longitudinally slidable, interlocking partition members made of unitary plastic bodies, with a locking element to adjust and fix the overall length, allowing for simple and cost-effective adaptation to varying cargo area dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed length partition assembly is used, then the structure is simple and cost-effective, but the partition cannot be adapted to different vehicle types or cargo area dimensions
Solution Approach 1:
The partition assembly employs a telescopic mechanism with first and second partition members that can slide relative to each other along the longitudinal direction, transforming a static fixed-length structure into a dynamic adjustable-length structure. This allows the partition to adapt to different cargo area widths while maintaining structural simplicity through guided linear motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition assembly is divided into multiple telescopic partition members (first partition member and second partition member) that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation enables incremental length adjustment and provides multiple locked positions, enhancing adaptability to various vehicle types while keeping each individual member relatively simple in structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex adjustment mechanism is provided to enable length adjustment, then the partition can adapt to different cargo areas, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic partition members are designed with nested hollow passages where the second partition member fits within the hollow passage of the first partition member. This nesting arrangement allows for compact storage when retracted and smooth telescopic motion during extension, achieving adjustable length capability while minimizing material usage and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking connection between partition members through hollow passages and locking elements creates a self-guiding telescopic mechanism. The structure itself provides the guidance and constraint for motion without requiring external complex mechanisms, reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adaptability.
3Length of moving object
If multiple partition members with complex interlocking mechanisms are used to achieve telescopic movement, then the adjustable length is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow passage structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the interlocking connection between partition members, guides the telescopic motion, defines the nested arrangement, and enables the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed while achieving the desired adjustable length capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection, guidance, and locking functions are merged into a unified telescopic mechanism where the hollow passage and locking element work together as an integrated system. This merging reduces component count and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the ability to adjust the overall length of the partition assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
A partition assembly is mountable within the cargo area of a vehicle, for example by being vertically slidable at opposing ends into vertical channels formed in opposing side walls of a truck box and the like. The partition assembly includes a first partition member and a second partition member which are coupled to one another by interlocking connection of the respective bodies forming the partition members such that an overall length of the partition assembly is adjustable.