Synchronized Vehicle Interior Load Rack with Master-Slave Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing interior load-bearing assemblies for vehicles are cumbersome to operate and inefficient in optimizing interior space, as each load support bar must be manually pivoted and secured, and there is a need for a more synchronized and space-efficient solution for loading and storing long loads within a vehicle.

Innovation Solution

A synchronized interior load-bearing assembly where one gallery, the 'master gallery,' is equipped with a locking device, and its movement synchronizes the position of a secondary 'slave gallery,' allowing both to pivot from a use position to a non-use position of 90 degrees, with the master gallery's locking device controlling both positions, and the assembly includes a storage element that retracts into the vehicle's foot crosspieces space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If each load support bar is equipped with its own locking device, then each bar can be independently secured, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes more tedious

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecuring reliabilityVSAvoidlocking device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple locking functions into a single locking device that controls both galleries simultaneously. The first rod connects the locking device to the first gallery, while the second rod connects it to the second gallery, allowing one locking mechanism to secure both galleries instead of requiring separate locking devices for each.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single locking device performs multiple functions: it locks and unlocks both the first gallery and the second gallery, and it controls the positioning of both galleries in use and non-use positions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple specialized locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If load support bars are made fixed and secure, then loading stability is improved, but the ability to optimize interior space utilization is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading stabilityVSAvoidspace optimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The galleries are designed to be dynamically repositionable between a use position (parallel to the vehicle roof for stable loading) and a non-use position (retracted toward the vehicle feet for space optimization). The locking device enables these galleries to be securely fixed in either position, providing both stability when needed and adaptability when space must be optimized.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple independent locking mechanisms are used for each gallery, then each gallery can be independently controlled, but the ease of operation decreases due to the need to manipulate multiple devices

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveindependent control capabilityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the control of both galleries into a single locking device operation. When the locking device is actuated, it simultaneously locks both galleries in their respective positions, eliminating the need to manually operate separate locking mechanisms for each gallery while maintaining independent positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Area of stationary object

If galleries are designed to retract completely into the vehicle, then interior space is maximized, but the structural complexity of the mounting system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterior space availabilityVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The galleries are designed to retract toward the vehicle feet and nest within or adjacent to the foot crosspieces structure. This nesting arrangement allows the galleries to be stored in a compact manner within the existing vehicle structure without requiring separate complex retraction mechanisms, maximizing interior space while controlling structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This solution allows for easy and efficient folding of the load-bearing structure without disassembly, optimizing interior space by allowing the load-bearing racks to retract into the vehicle's foot crosspieces area, reducing the need for multiple locking mechanisms and simplifying user operation, while maintaining secure positioning.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling means between said galleries comprise a first rod and a second rod hinged together at one of their respective ends, said first rod being hinged at its other end with said first gallery and said second rod being articulated at its other end with said second gallery

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHinge: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

said first gallery comprises a device for locking its use and non-use positions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

said galleries are pivotally mounted to be moved by pivoting, reversibly, from a position of use to a position of non-use following an angular displacement of 90 degrees

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP3710311B1Interior assembly for supporting loads that is arranged in the upper interior part of the vehicle
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 RENAULT SA
  • EP3710311B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2C
  • EP3710311B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an interior assembly for supporting loads that is arranged in the upper interior part of a vehicle, comprising at least a first and a second load-supporting rack (1, 2) provided with a device for securing to the interior of the vehicle and mounted so as to be moved by pivoting, reversibly, from a use position to a non-use position, said racks being secured to one another by coupling means (50) such that the movement of one of the racks causes the movement of the other rack during the reversible switch from a use position to a non-use position.