Motor Vehicle Utility Cart Integrated Load Floor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicle utility cart systems do not provide a seamless and efficient way to load or unload vehicles, as they are not integrated into the load floor and require separate setup and stowage, affecting convenience and customer satisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A utility cart system for motor vehicles featuring a support frame, pivot-mounted base, folding wall assembly, and folding leg assembly that can be stowed as an integral part of the load floor and easily deployed into a functional utility cart with upstanding sidewalls and adjustable legs, using a latching mechanism and locking features for secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the utility cart system is integrated into the load floor when not in use, then the seamless integration and customer satisfaction are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The utility cart system is nested within the load floor of the motor vehicle. When not in use, the cart components are stored within the load floor structure, creating a compact integrated unit. The base pivots within the load floor, and the folding wall assembly and folding leg assembly are contained within the base structure, achieving seamless integration while maintaining accessibility when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The utility cart system employs dynamic components including a pivot-mounted base that can rotate between stowed and deployed positions, folding wall assemblies with hinges that allow transformation from flat to upright configurations, and folding leg assemblies with telescoping sections that extend and retract. These dynamic elements enable the cart to transition smoothly between integrated and functional states.
2Productivity
If the utility cart system is easily deployed into a functional cart, then the convenience and productivity are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The utility cart system is divided into distinct modular segments: a support frame structure, a pivot-mounted base, a folding wall assembly with multiple hinged panels, and a folding leg assembly with telescoping sections. Each segment can be independently manipulated during deployment, allowing systematic transformation from stowed to functional configuration while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The folding wall assembly and folding leg assembly are pre-configured in compact stowed positions within the base when not in use. The latching mechanism is pre-positioned to secure these components during transport. When deployment is initiated, these pre-positioned elements can be quickly released and transformed into their functional configurations, reducing setup time and improving loading efficiency.
3Reliability
If the latching mechanism and locking features are used for secure operation, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching mechanism is designed to automatically engage and disengage based on the position of the base and folding components. When the base pivots to specific positions or when folding walls and legs are deployed, the latching mechanism automatically secures these elements without requiring manual intervention. This self-latching capability ensures reliable operation while minimizing the complexity of control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility cart system for a motor vehicle includes a support frame, a base, a folding wall assembly and a folding leg assembly. A method of transporting goods to and from a motor vehicle utilizing a utility cart system is also described.