Vehicle Separation Device with Synchronized Partition and Flap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing separation devices for motor vehicles compromise the driver's field of vision and are complex to handle when attempting to increase loading volume by pivoting a partition wall, limiting both loading capacity and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A separation device with a movable partition and flap that automatically synchronizes to maintain the driver's field of vision and simplify handling, featuring a frame fixed to the vehicle body, allowing the partition to pivot by a quarter turn and the flap to pivot in the opposite direction, ensuring clear visibility and easy operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a pivoting partition wall is used to increase loading volume, then the loading capacity is improved, but the driver's field of vision is obstructed and the device becomes complex to handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading capacityVSAvoidhandling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The partition wall is divided into two independent movable elements: a partition that pivots to communicate the passenger compartment with the loading space, and a separate flap that can be retracted to clear the driver's field of vision. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between loading capacity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The partition and flap are designed to move dynamically between different positions. The partition can pivot between blocking and communicating configurations, while the flap can retract or extend based on the partition's position. This dynamic behavior allows the device to adapt to different operational requirements, maintaining both loading capacity and driver visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the partition is limited in pivoting to avoid disturbing the driver, then the driver's field of vision is maintained, but the gain in loading volume is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedriver's field of visionVSAvoidloading volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the partition function from the flap function, the system allows the partition to pivot fully for maximum loading volume while the flap independently manages the driver's field of vision. The flap retracts when the partition pivots, ensuring visibility is maintained even when the partition is in its maximum pivoted position, thus resolving the contradiction between loading volume and driver visibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of stationary object

If a pivoting partition is used to communicate passenger compartment with loading space, then loading volume is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading volumeVSAvoidpartition mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex function of communicating spaces while maintaining visibility is segmented into two simple mechanical actions: partition pivoting and flap retraction. Each element has a straightforward movement mechanism, reducing overall device complexity compared to a single complex pivoting partition that must simultaneously manage both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3715185B1Separating device for a motor vehicle
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 RENAULT SA
  • EP3715185B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3715185B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3715185B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Separation device (2) for a motor vehicle (1), the vehicle comprising a cargo space (3) and a passenger compartment (4), the separation device comprising a frame (20), a partition (30) movable relative to the frame, and a flap (40) movable relative to the partition, the frame being intended to be fixed to a vehicle body, the separation device being movable between a first configuration (C1) and a second configuration (C2), the partition and the flap extending side-by-side and parallel to a first plane (P1) when the separation device is in its first configuration, said first plane being intended to be oriented perpendicular to a longitudinal axis (X) of a vehicle to separate a passenger compartment from a cargo space, the partition extending parallel to a second plane (P2) when the separation device is in its second configuration,said second plane being intended to extend perpendicularly to a transverse axis (Y) of a vehicle and along a lateral side of a driver (5) of a vehicle to connect at least a part of a passenger compartment with a cargo space, the flap being retracted to clear a driver's field of vision when the separation device is in its second configuration.