Multi-Layer Vehicle Trunk Cover with Non-Slip Barrier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle trunk cover arrangements slip during loading and unloading, causing discomfort for pets and allowing moisture accumulation, which reduces transport comfort.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer cover arrangement featuring an open-cell foam layer with a diffusion-open surface layer and a non-slip backing layer, including a moisture-impermeable barrier layer to prevent slipping and moisture accumulation, and optionally incorporating an electrical heating device for faster drying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a limp tarpaulin is used for the protective insert, then it can be easily attached to trunk walls, but it slips inside the trunk during loading or unloading

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of attachment to trunk wallsVSAvoidslipping inside trunk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The protective insert combines multiple layers including a foam layer and a surface layer with different friction characteristics. The surface layer is designed with higher friction to prevent slipping during loading operations, while the overall structure remains flexible enough for easy attachment to the trunk walls.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different layers of the protective insert have different local properties: the surface layer has high friction for preventing slips, the foam layer provides absorption and flexibility, and the waterproof layer provides barrier function. This local differentiation of material properties allows the insert to simultaneously achieve ease of attachment and stability during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a multi-layer material with open-cell foam layer is used, then moisture can be absorbed and evaporated, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemoisture managementVSAvoidmulti-layer structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective insert merges multiple functions into a single integrated component: the foam layer, waterproof layer, and surface layer are combined in one structure that simultaneously provides moisture absorption, evaporation, and protection. This integration avoids the need for separate components for each function, managing complexity while achieving comprehensive moisture management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-layer composite structure is designed with each layer serving a specific function: the open-cell foam layer for absorption and evaporation, the waterproof layer for preventing trunk penetration, and the surface layer for diffusion. This functional differentiation within the composite structure optimizes moisture management while maintaining a cohesive, integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution effectively prevents slipping and moisture accumulation, enhancing pet transport comfort by ensuring a dry and stable surface within the vehicle trunk.

Implementation Method 1

at least one open-cell foam layer, on the upper side of which at least one surface layer open to diffusion is provided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

the diffusion-open surface layer can preferably be designed to conduct moisture located on its surface side facing away from the foam layer into the foam layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 3

on the underside at least a non-slip backing layer is provided, with a moisture-impermeable barrier layer being arranged between the foam layer and the backing layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

a moisture-impermeable barrier layer is arranged between the foam layer and the backing layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPermeability barrier: Semipermeable Membrane

Implementation Method 5

at least one electrical heating device for heating out moisture in the foam layer is provided at least partially on the underside of the foam layer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3231279B1Cover assembly for a loading space of a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2018.12.12 HEUBEL GMBH
  • EP3231279B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3231279B1 patent drawingFigure 1c
  • EP3231279B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates to a cover arrangement for a cargo space of a vehicle comprising several cover elements (2, 2' - 2"") made of a multi-layered material and designed in a mat-like manner, which have at least one open-cell foam layer (3), on the upper side (3.1) of which at least one diffusion-open surface layer (4) and on the lower side (3.2) of which at least one anti-slip carrier layer (5) is provided, wherein a moisture-impermeable barrier layer (6) is arranged between the foam layer (3) and the carrier layer (5).