Vehicle Partition Modular Assembly for Wet-Dry Transition

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Solution Overview

Problem

In vehicle assembly, particularly for body-on-frame vehicles, there is a need to divide the cabin space from the bed space without requiring human entry into these areas, while also managing water, load, and venting efficiently, and transitioning between wet and dry spaces.

Innovation Solution

A partition system with a forward-opening receptacle and a modular assembly that can be installed from outside the vehicle, including features like a rear panel, translational window glass support, water management, load management, and electronic module mounting, which secures as a unit to the receptacle to span between side bodies and create wet/dry transition zones.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a partition is installed to divide cabin space and bed space, then the vehicle structure is enclosed and functional separation is achieved, but human entry into cabin or bed space is required during assembly which reduces safety and efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidhuman safety risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The partition assembly is inverted in terms of installation sequence: instead of assembling internal components first and then installing the partition, the receptacle is first secured to the side bodies, and then the modular assembly is installed through the forward-opening receptacle from the exterior. This inversion eliminates the need for human entry into enclosed spaces during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition is divided into two main segments: a receptacle that is secured to the side bodies and forms a forward-opening cavity, and a modular assembly that includes the front panel, window glass, and internal components. This segmentation allows the modular assembly to be installed through the forward opening without requiring entry into the cabin or bed space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a partition structure is added to divide cabin and bed spaces, then functional separation is achieved, but the device complexity and number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional separationVSAvoidpartition structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it forms the front panel of the partition, supports the window glass, manages water drainage, provides load management, enables cabin pressure venting, and offers electronic module mounting. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional components are merged into a single modular assembly that is secured as one unit to the receptacle. The front panel, window glass support, water management features, load management structures, and electronic module mounting points are integrated into this single assembly, simplifying the overall installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Productivity

If modular assembly is installed through forward-opening receptacle from outside vehicle, then assembly efficiency is improved, but precise alignment and securing of components becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidcomponent alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The receptacle is first secured to the side bodies with pre-formed rearward and forward openings, establishing the installation path and alignment references before the modular assembly is installed. This preliminary action ensures that the opening is precisely positioned and sized to guide the modular assembly into correct alignment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The forward opening of the receptacle acts as an intermediary that guides and constrains the modular assembly during installation. The opening's dimensions and position mediate between the external installation process and the internal cavity, ensuring precise alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11414137B2Vehicle partition and method of manufacturing a vehicle

Publication Date: 2022.08.16 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A partition separates a cabin space from a bed space on a vehicle having a first side body and a second side body. The partition includes a forward-opening receptacle fixable to the first side body and to the second side body to span between the first side body and the second side body and includes a rear panel. The partition includes a modular assembly securable as a unit to a forward side of the receptacle. The modular assembly includes a front panel and a window glass configured to be translatably supported by the modular assembly between the front panel and the rear panel.