Vehicle Floor Assembly With Spring-Locked Trim Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle floor assemblies are difficult to remove and inadequate for securely retaining items in the storage compartment, such as a spare tire, within the cargo area.
Innovation Solution
A floor assembly comprising a pair of elongated trim panels and a floor panel with locking mechanisms that prevent vertical and horizontal movement, featuring a rotatable handle and spring-loaded locking members to securely position the floor panel over the storage compartment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a floor assembly is designed to be securely retained in place, then reliability of item retention is improved, but ease of operation for removal and installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are designed to be dynamic rather than static. The locking members can transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing the floor assembly to be securely retained during normal use but easily removed when needed. The spring elements provide automatic engagement while allowing controlled disengagement through manual operation of the handle section.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded locking members automatically engage with the trim panels when the floor panel is installed, providing self-retention without requiring additional fastening operations. The system serves itself by using the installation motion to trigger automatic locking, eliminating the need for separate securing steps.
2Ease of operation
If locking mechanisms are exposed for functional visibility, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanisms are nested within the structure of the floor assembly itself. The locking members are positioned within recesses or channels formed in the floor panel and trim panels, allowing them to be functionally accessible while visually concealed when the floor assembly is in its installed state. The handle section can be rotated to access the locking mechanism operation.
3Ease of operation
If a floor assembly is made easy to remove, then ease of operation is improved, but retention security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The floor assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the floor panel, the locking mechanisms with separate locking members, and the trim panels. This segmentation allows the locking function to be independently optimized - the locking members can be designed for easy engagement/disengagement while the overall assembly maintains strong retention when locked.
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 allows for easy removal and secure retention of items in the cargo area, ensuring the storage compartment is protected whether the vehicle roof cover is attached or detached, while maintaining a clean appearance by hiding the locking mechanisms when the floor panel is in a secure state.
Implementation Method 1
The body of the floor-panel locking member includes at least one spring element, and wherein the at least one spring element is cantilevered to the body
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a cargo area having a surface and a floor assembly. The floor assembly includes a pair of elongated trim panels, a floor panel and a pair of locking mechanisms. The pair of elongated trim panels are mounted to the surface of the cargo area at opposite sides thereof. The floor panel is slidably disposed onto the surface of the cargo area and between the pair of trim panels. The pair of locking mechanisms connect the floor panel and the pair of trim panels to prevent vertical and horizontal movement of the floor panel when the floor panel is fully disposed onto the surface of the cargo area.