Molded Thermoplastic Storage Bin for Vehicle Rear Overhang Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automobile storage containers, particularly those for spare wheels, face challenges in minimizing external size while maximizing internal volume, and in withstanding high-temperature thermochemical treatments during the painting process, while also reducing vehicle weight and rear overhang.
Innovation Solution
A molded thermoplastic part with an upper tray support rim, oblique flanges, and a side opening that can be closed by an added wall, designed to be assembled on a support frame, providing a vertical added rear wall to minimize rear overhang and accommodate high-temperature treatments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stamped sheet metal container is used, then the container can withstand high-temperature thermochemical treatments during painting, but the vehicle weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from thermosetting composite (SMC) to thermoplastic material, enabling the container to be assembled after painting while maintaining sufficient thermal resistance during the painting process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining thermoplastic material with integrated reinforcement elements (such as glass fiber reinforcement) to achieve both weight reduction and mechanical strength requirements
2Volume of moving object
If a traditional container design is used, then the container has sufficient internal volume, but the external dimensions and rear overhang increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by integrating the container with the vehicle body structure, positioning it between the floor covering and the rear bumper, thereby maximizing internal volume without increasing horizontal footprint and reducing rear overhang
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the container within the vehicle body structure, integrating it with the rear floor panel and bumper assembly, allowing the container to occupy otherwise wasted space and minimize external dimensions
3Reliability
If the container is assembled before painting, then it can withstand high-temperature treatments, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by designing the container with integrated attachment features (such as clips, adhesives, or mechanical interlocks) that enable quick assembly after painting, eliminating the need for complex pre-assembly procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the container into modular components that can be independently manufactured and quickly assembled to the vehicle body after painting, simplifying the assembly process and improving productivity
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5b
AI summary
The invention concerns a storage bin (10) intended to be assembled at the rear of a motor vehicle. The bin (10) comprises a moulded part (1) made from polymer material defining, in the mounted position of the bin: - an upper bin-supporting rim (2), - a bin bottom (4) situated below the upper supporting rim (2), and - one or more sidewall portions (6). The moulded part (1) further comprises two oblique rims (7, 8) extending between the upper supporting rim (2) and the bottom (4). The moulded part is traversed by a lateral opening (5) forming a notch from above, the notch being bordered by the two oblique or vertical rims. The lateral opening (5) is configured to be closed by an attached wall (11) assembled to the two oblique or vertical rims (7, 8).