Vehicle Door Storage System with Pivotable Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Off-road vehicles with removable doors lack an efficient and space-efficient method for storing doors when they are not in use, which complicates their retrieval and installation, and existing solutions do not provide secure and accessible storage options.
Innovation Solution
A door storage system within the vehicle's cargo area that transitions between a lowered and expanded position, featuring a pivotable support panel, spacers, and an upper platform, allowing for vertical storage of doors, and includes a method for loading and unloading doors using a sliding mechanism and spacers to prevent damage and secure storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If doors are stored in the cargo area, then door storage is achieved, but cargo space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The door storage system is designed to be movable between a stowed position within the cargo area and an extended position outside the cargo area. This dynamic configuration allows the system to provide door storage capability when needed while minimizing impact on cargo space during normal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system extends in the longitudinal dimension of the vehicle, utilizing space outside the cargo area boundaries. By positioning the storage mechanism to extend rearward from the cargo area, the system provides door storage functionality without permanently occupying cargo space.
2Ease of operation
If the door storage system is extended outside the cargo area, then door storage accessibility is improved, but vehicle rear clearance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system employs a movable, extendable mechanism that can be deployed outward from the cargo area to provide accessible door storage, then retracted to minimize the vehicle's overall length. This dynamic extension and retraction capability balances accessibility needs with vehicle clearance requirements.
3Volume of stationary object
If multiple doors are stacked vertically, then storage space efficiency is improved, but door damage risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates cushioning or protective elements positioned between stacked doors to prevent direct contact and potential damage. These intermediary components absorb forces and protect the door surfaces while allowing vertical stacking for space-efficient storage.
Solution Approach 2:
Protective cushioning elements are pre-positioned within the storage system to prevent door damage before contact occurs. This beforehand cushioning ensures that when doors are stacked vertically, the protective elements are already in place to absorb any impact forces.
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 system provides a secure, space-efficient, and accessible method for storing and retrieving vehicle doors, enhancing user convenience and safety by maintaining a clear cargo area and allowing for easy door reinstallation, while also offering additional storage and access features.
Implementation Method 1
The support panel includes a hinged side and a leading edge that is opposite the hinged side
Implementation Method 2
The door storage system is slidable between a stowed position and a loading position
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle assembly includes, among other things, a door storage system that is disposed within a cargo area of a vehicle. The door storage system is moveable between a lowered position and an expanded position. The door storage system is configured to accept at least one door of the vehicle within a door receiving area when the door storage system is in the expanded position.