Vehicle Floor Assembly Closeout Device for Stowage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle floor assemblies with stowable seats require folding large floor panels and have apertures that allow errant objects to fall under the load floor, compromising storage capacity and access convenience.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle floor assembly featuring a floor frame, moveable floor panels, and closeout devices with biasing members and guide channels that allow seat risers to be securely positioned, reducing gaps and enabling easy access to stowage compartments without articulating multiple panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If apertures are made larger in the load floor to accommodate seat risers and manufacturing tolerances, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase as errant objects can fall through
Solution Approach 1:
A closeout panel is introduced as an intermediary component between the load floor aperture and the stowage compartment. This panel can be selectively positioned to either close the aperture completely or form a ramp that guides objects away from the aperture, thereby preventing errant objects from falling through while still allowing seat assembly movement when needed
2Strength
If large floor panels are used for stowage compartment access, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple articulation points
Solution Approach 1:
The floor panel system is segmented into a fixed load floor panel and a separate movable closeout panel. This segmentation allows the main structural panel to remain simple and strong while the closeout function is handled by a smaller, dedicated panel that articulates independently, reducing overall system complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If apertures are made larger to permit seat assembly movement, then adaptability is improved, but harmful factors increase as objects can fall into the stowage compartment
Solution Approach 1:
The closeout panel is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to assume different configurations: a closed position that prevents objects from falling through, and an open position that allows seat assembly movement. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between safety and versatility
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
Enhances storage capacity by securely stowing seats within the floor, reducing gaps around seat risers, and providing convenient access to cargo without the need to articulate multiple load floor panels.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of biasing members are received in the cartridge. A first set of the biasing members is configured to bias the first closeout members toward their respective second positions, and a second set of the biasing members is configured to bias the second closeout members toward their respective second positions
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle floor assembly includes a floor frame, floor panel, and a pair of closeout devices. In an open position, the floor panel permits access to a stowage cavity. In a closed position, access to the stowage cavity is inhibited. Each closeout device includes a cartridge, a pair of first members, a pair of second members, and a plurality of biasing members. The cartridge defines a slot and a plurality of guide channels. The slot receives at least one seat riser through the floor panel. The first and second members are slidably received in individual guide channels and moveable between a retracted position and an extended position wherein each of the first or second members is extended into the slot a greater extent than when in the retracted position. The biasing members are configured to bias the first and second closeout members toward their respective second positions.