Vehicle Trunk Bottom Element With Indexed Spare-Wheel Floor Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle trunk floor arrangements fail to provide a uniform slope for optimal vertical counter-support, requiring different types of trunk floor elements and closure caps for various objects, leading to economic inefficiencies and hindered trunk space utilization.
Innovation Solution
A universal motor vehicle trunk bottom element with an outer frame and central opening, featuring an angular indexing member to ensure a single relative position between the trunk floor element and closure cap, allowing compatibility with different spare wheels and audio systems, and maintaining a uniform slope for optimal support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If different types of trunk floor elements are used for different objects (spare wheels, audio systems), then the adaptability to different uses is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal trunk floor element design with a standardized outer frame and bearing surface that can accommodate different objects (spare wheels, audio systems) through a single closing cap interface. The angular indexing member system provides universal angular positioning capability across all applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized trunk floor element types while maintaining adaptability to different storage needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the trunk floor element into distinct functional components: the outer frame structure, the bearing surface for support, the central opening for object accommodation, and the angular indexing member system. This segmentation allows the main trunk floor element to remain standardized while the closing cap and its indexing device can be configured for specific applications, reducing overall complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the closing cap is incorrectly oriented, then the slope uniformity is improved (by allowing adjustment), but the vertical counter-support performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates an angular indexing member with notches that pre-establish the correct angular orientation of the closing cap relative to the trunk floor element before final assembly. This preliminary angular positioning ensures that when the closing cap is installed, it automatically achieves the correct orientation for uniform slope and optimal vertical counter-support, eliminating the risk of incorrect orientation while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The angular indexing system with complementary male and female parts enables the closing cap to self-position at the correct angular orientation during assembly. The indexing member's notches guide the closing cap into the proper angular position without requiring external alignment tools or complex adjustment procedures, ensuring both ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple assembly lines are used for different trunk floor element variants, then the adaptability to different motor vehicles is improved, but the productivity and manufacturing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal trunk floor element platform with standardized outer frame dimensions, bearing surface geometry, and angular indexing member configurations that can serve multiple motor vehicle models. This universality allows a single assembly line to produce trunk floor elements compatible with different motor vehicles, eliminating the need for multiple specialized assembly lines while maintaining adaptability to various vehicle types and trunk configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a trunk bottom element (6). The trunk bottom element (6) according to the invention comprises an exterior frame (11) laterally and longitudinally defining the trunk bottom element (6), a central opening (8) delimited by a cylindrical wall (12) and an angular indexation member (9) configured to enable a stopper for closing the central opening (8) to be angularly indexed, relative to the vertical direction of the trunk bottom element (6). In the trunk bottom element (6) according to the invention, the exterior 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 alternatively to house therein a "donut" or "full size" spare tire for the motor vehicle.