Integrated Vehicle Floor Panel With Tracks and Climate Ductwork
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle designs face safety concerns regarding the use of alternative functionalities within the passenger compartment, particularly in relation to cargo storage, due to limitations in climate control and structural support, which may evolve with future technological and regulatory advancements.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle floor panel system comprising a plurality of track assemblies and ductwork, where the track assemblies include first and second rail assemblies with slots, a carriage assembly with an anchor for cargo retention, and ductwork for climate control, integrated as a single unit to provide efficient air distribution and cargo tie-down capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If track assemblies and ductwork are installed separately, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (track assemblies, ductwork, floor panels) into an integrated floor panel assembly that is installed as a single unit. This merging of previously separate components into one pre-assembled unit directly resolves the contradiction by improving installation efficiency while managing complexity through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If alternative functionalities are added to passenger compartment, then vehicle versatility improves, but safety concerns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The floor panel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the passenger compartment, enables climate control through integrated ductwork, and facilitates cargo storage through the track assembly system with anchors. This multi-functionality approach allows the single component to deliver versatility while maintaining safety through proper structural design.
3Ease of manufacture
If climate control and cargo retention systems are integrated, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges climate control ductwork and cargo retention track assemblies into a single floor panel assembly that is manufactured as one integrated unit. This combining of systems improves manufacturing efficiency through streamlined production and assembly processes while managing complexity through modular architectural design.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a passenger compartment. The passenger compartment includes an upper region and a lower region. The passenger compartment also includes a floor. A plurality of track assemblies are positioned on the floor and extend along a longitudinal direction of the vehicle. Each of the plurality of track assemblies includes a first rail assembly and a second rail assembly. Ductwork is positioned between adjacent track assemblies of the plurality of track assemblies. The plurality of track assemblies and the ductwork are coupled together as a floor panel such that installation of the floor panel within the passenger compartment results in a simultaneous installation of the plurality of track assemblies and the ductwork.