Trunk Cover Panel Spring Retention for Single-Handed Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing trunk covering devices in motor vehicles face issues with stability during motion, causing noise due to vibrations, and require manual intervention and two-handed operation to switch between lowered and raised positions, especially when handling luggage.
Innovation Solution
A covering device with a rotatable panel using a hinge system coupled with a spring retention and angular positioning system, allowing automatic locking in both positions and enabling single-handed operation by exceeding a torque threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid panel is used as a loading floor, then structural strength is improved, but noise due to vibrations during motion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the rigid panel with a damping layer to create a composite structure. The damping layer is integrated between the rigid panel and the trunk bottom, merging two materials with different properties (rigid and vibration-absorbing) into a single functional assembly that maintains strength while reducing vibration-induced noise.
2Reliability
If manual coupling systems are used to hold the panel in raised position, then reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spring-based retention system that automatically engages and disengages the panel in the raised position without requiring manual intervention. The spring mechanism self-activates based on the panel's position, providing reliable holding while eliminating the need for complex manual coupling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention system transitions from static manual coupling to dynamic spring-based engagement. The spring automatically adjusts its force based on the panel's position and the applied load, providing adaptive holding that maintains reliability while simplifying operation.
3Reliability
If manual coupling systems are used, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates requiring two-handed operation
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-based retention system performs the holding function automatically without requiring the user to manually engage or disengage coupling mechanisms. The user simply needs to lift the panel, and the spring system takes over to maintain the raised position reliably, enabling single-handed operation.
4Device complexity
If the panel is held only by its own weight in lowered position, then device complexity is reduced, but stability deteriorates causing vibrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the rigid panel with a damping layer to create a composite structure that maintains simplicity while improving stability. The damping layer is integrated into the panel assembly, providing vibration reduction without adding complex separate support structures.
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 device provides stability and reduces noise during motion, allowing single-handed operation and automatic locking, simplifying the lifting process without the need for manual coupling systems.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring, which exerts an elastic force to hold said panel in said at least one of the lowered and raised positions and allows said panel to rotate when a rotational torque greater than a given threshold is exerted on said panel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A covering device (1) for a trunk (4) of a motor vehicle has a panel (5) and a hinge (12) coupling a front portion (13) of the panel (5) to a support structure (14) and allowing the panel (5) to rotate about a horizontal hinge axis (6) between a lowered horizontal position and a raised tilted position; the device has a retention system (30) to hold the panel (5) in at least one of the lowered and raised positions; said retention system (30) is associated to the hinge (12) and comprises at least one spring (31, 32), which exerts an elastic retention force and allows the panel (5) to rotate when a rotational torque greater than a given threshold is exerted on the panel (5).