Universal Trunk Bottom Element With Indexed Closure Cap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle trunk bottom arrangements lack a uniform slope for optimal vertical counter-support, requiring different types of trunk bottom elements and closure caps, leading to economic disadvantages due to increased manufacturing complexity and parts variability.
Innovation Solution
A universal motor vehicle trunk bottom element with an external frame, central cylindrical opening, and angular indexing member that allows for a single, optimal angular configuration of the closure cap, ensuring a homogeneous slope and supporting both 'donut' and 'full-size' spare wheels, as well as an audio system, while reducing manufacturing complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of trunk bottom elements are used for different spare wheel types and audio systems, then the adaptability to different objects is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal trunk bottom element design that can accommodate multiple types of objects (donut spare wheels, full-size spare wheels, and audio systems) through a single standardized structure. The closure cap with angular indexing mechanism serves as a multi-functional component that adapts to different objects without requiring different trunk bottom element types, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different types of trunk bottom elements are used for different spare wheel types and audio systems, then the adaptability to different objects is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized trunk bottom element design with consistent dimensions, material specifications, and assembly procedures enables simplified manufacturing processes. The universal closure cap design further reduces the number of unique parts that need to be manufactured, directly lowering manufacturing complexity while maintaining the ability to serve multiple functions for different spare wheel types and audio systems.
3Ease of manufacture
If the closure cap is poorly oriented, then the manufacturing and assembly are simplified, but the uniform slope and optimal vertical counter-support are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The angular indexing mechanism on the closure cap enables self-alignment and self-correction during assembly. The indexing features guide the closure cap into the correct angular position automatically, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized tooling. This self-service mechanism ensures precise angular orientation (improving manufacturing precision) while maintaining simple assembly operations (preserving ease of manufacture).
Solution Approach 2:
The angular indexing mechanism transforms the closure cap orientation parameter from a continuous variable requiring precise control to a discrete set of predefined angular positions. This parameter change simplifies the assembly process by providing clear alignment references while guaranteeing the uniform slope requirement is met through the predetermined correct angular position.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a trunk bottom element (6). The trunk bottom element (6) according to the invention includes an external frame (11) laterally and longitudinally delimiting the trunk bottom element (6), a central opening (8) delimited by a cylindrical wall (12) and an angular indexing member (9) configured to enable angular indexing of a closure cap of the central opening (8), with respect to the vertical direction of the trunk bottom element (6). In the trunk bottom element (6) according to the invention, the external frame (11) has, in a vertical direction, an upper bearing surface (16) intended to receive a trunk floor element. The central opening (8) of the trunk bottom element (6) is configured to alternately house a spare wheel of the motor vehicle of the “donut” type and of the “full-size” type.