Umbrella Drainage System in Vehicle Package Tray
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo systems fail to effectively manage water accumulation from umbrellas stored in the cargo area, leading to potential damage and discomfort due to moisture and humidity.
Innovation Solution
A package tray with an umbrella storage receptacle featuring an angled surface and a drain hole, connected to a flexible hose that directs water into the vehicle's existing body drainage system via a push-in connector, ensuring efficient water expulsion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If umbrellas are stored in the cargo area or package tray, then convenient access is improved, but water accumulation and moisture-related damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system extracts water from the umbrella storage receptacle by providing a dedicated drainage path through a hose connected to the vehicle's existing drainage system, separating water removal from the storage function
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible hose acts as an intermediary component between the umbrella storage receptacle and the vehicle's body drainage system, transferring water from the storage area to the drainage system
2Reliability
If a drainage system is added to the package tray, then water expulsion is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The drainage system merges with the vehicle's existing body drainage system by connecting through an access opening, combining the new drainage function with the existing infrastructure rather than creating a completely separate system
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible hose serves multiple functions: it provides a drainage path, accommodates movement of the package tray, and connects to the existing drainage system, making the addition more versatile and less complex
3Productivity
If an angled surface is provided in the receptacle, then water flow is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle features an angled bottom surface instead of a flat surface, creating an asymmetric geometry that naturally directs water flow toward the drain hole, improving drainage efficiency through geometric design
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 drains water from umbrellas, preventing moisture-related issues and maintaining a dry cargo area, while securely storing umbrellas and allowing for easy access and use.
Implementation Method 1
The angled surface is configured to drain water from stored umbrellas through the drain hole due to gravity
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle cargo space comprising a package tray and an umbrella drainage system is disclosed. The package tray cooperates with a rear seat defining a cargo area beneath the package tray. The package tray has an umbrella storage receptacle with a drain hole. The umbrella drainage system has a flexible hose within the cargo area. The hose is fluidly connected to the package tray and a body drainage system such that water drains from the receptacle into the hose for expulsion via the body drainage system.