Vehicle Cargo Storage Assemblies for Flexible Cabin Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicles lack efficient and flexible cargo management systems that can seamlessly transition between passenger and cargo transport configurations, providing adequate storage solutions for both people and goods.
Innovation Solution
A cargo management system comprising a first storage assembly disposed on seating assemblies with rotatable sidewalls and a divider to define multiple storage spaces, and a second storage assembly in the cargo area with frame members and doors that translate along rails for access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a vehicle includes fixed storage areas only, then cargo storage is simple, but flexibility for different transport configurations is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into multiple independent assemblies: a first storage assembly that can be disposed on seating assemblies and a second storage assembly disposed in the cargo area. Each assembly can be independently configured and adjusted, allowing the system to adapt to different transport needs without requiring complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system incorporates movable and adjustable components including rotatable sidewalls, slidable dividers, and doors that translate along rails. These dynamic elements enable the storage configuration to be quickly modified between passenger and cargo modes, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple individual component structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage compartments are fixed in size, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to various cargo sizes is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The storage compartments feature adjustable dividers with projections that slide within grooves, and doors that translate along rails. These dynamic adjustment mechanisms allow the compartment sizes to be modified to fit various cargo dimensions while using standardized, manufacturable components with simple groove and rail geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables parameter changes in storage compartment volume and configuration through the movement of dividers and doors along defined paths. The grooves and rails provide guided motion that changes the spatial parameters of storage spaces without requiring complex manufacturing of the adjustment mechanisms themselves.
3Ease of operation
If quick conversion between passenger and cargo modes is enabled, then usability is improved, but mechanical complexity of conversion mechanisms increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system uses simple dynamic elements: rotatable sidewalls that pivot on hinges, slidable dividers that move along grooves, and doors that translate along rails. These mechanisms enable quick mode conversion through basic rotational and translational movements without requiring complex actuation systems, maintaining ease of operation with relatively simple mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanisms are designed to be manually operated without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. Users can directly manipulate the rotatable sidewalls, slidable dividers, and doors to convert between modes, allowing the system to serve itself through simple mechanical interactions rather than requiring additional actuation infrastructure.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple storage assemblies are used to provide flexible storage, then cargo management capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo management system is segmented into a first storage assembly on the seating row and a second storage assembly in the cargo area. This segmentation allows each assembly to be independently configured and managed, improving overall cargo management flexibility while keeping each individual assembly relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Both storage assemblies share common design features and adjustment mechanisms (rotatable sidewalls, slidable dividers, rail-mounted doors), making them universally applicable to different cargo types and configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same basic assembly design to serve multiple purposes, improving cargo management capability without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a first storage assembly configured to be disposed within a seating row. A first base is disposed on seatbacks and a sidewall is rotatably coupled to the first base. A divider is disposed over the first base and configured to slidably engage the sidewall to define first and second storage spaces. A second storage assembly is configured to be disposed in a cargo area. The second storage assembly includes a second base disposed on a floor in the cargo area. A first frame member is coupled to the second base and defines a first rail. A second frame member is coupled to the second base and has a second rail. A door is coupled to the first frame member and the second frame member and configured to translate along the first and second rails between an opened position and a closed position.