Vehicle Shelf Latching Structure for Adjustable Storage Space
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable vehicle shelves with elastic elements face issues such as damage to fragile objects due to restoring forces, inefficient storage of rectangular objects, and potential brittleness and loss of elasticity over time.
Innovation Solution
A shelf design featuring a wall element divided into sections, with a support member and a latching element that allows for defined opening and closing, ensuring reliable and long-lasting use while optimizing storage space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic elements are used to adjust shelf capacity, then the shelf can adapt to different storage needs, but fragile objects can be damaged by restoring forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the elastic element from the system entirely, replacing it with a guide device and latching element mechanism. This extraction eliminates the harmful restoring forces that damaged fragile objects while preserving the adjustable capacity function through controlled movement of the wall element between defined positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device acts as an intermediary between the wall element and the shelf structure, controlling movement in defined directions. The latching element serves as a mediator to secure the wall element at specific positions, replacing the direct elastic force mechanism with a controlled, stepwise adjustment system that prevents harmful forces.
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic elements are used for shelf adjustment, then variable capacity is achieved, but the shelf cross-section becomes circular or rounded reducing storage efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The wall element is divided into sections that can move independently within defined paths. This segmentation allows the shelf to maintain a rectangular cross-section while achieving variable capacity through controlled movement of discrete sections, optimizing storage efficiency for rectangular objects.
Solution Approach 2:
The shelf transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one where the wall element can move between defined positions along guided paths. This dynamic capability provides variable capacity while maintaining rectangular geometry, as the movement is constrained to linear or angular paths rather than elastic deformation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastic elements remain in tensioned position for long periods, then shelf structure is maintained, but the elements become brittle and lose functionality
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the elastic element entirely and replacing it with a guide device and latching mechanism, the patent eliminates the reliability issue of elastic elements becoming brittle. The new system maintains structural stability through mechanical guidance and positive locking rather than continuous elastic tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device and latching element mechanism uses simple, durable mechanical components that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than relying on elastic elements with limited service life. The system prioritizes long-term reliability through straightforward mechanical means.
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf or tray for a vehicle which may be an interior trim component of the vehicle is disclosed. The tray includes a wall element and a holding element. The wall element includes a first section and a second section. The first section is at least partially mounted in a first guide device of the holding element. The first section can be latched in a defined manner within the guide device by means of at least one latching element and, by a movement of the first section and/or the second section, thus ensuring a defined opening or closing of the shelf or tray due to the latching of the latching element.