Vehicle Shelf Pivot Mechanism for Space-Saving Stowability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle shelves are either fixed, taking up valuable space when not in use or have complex designs that increase manufacturing costs and failure rates, making them expensive and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A shelf system with a biasing bracket and pivot mechanism that allows the shelf to pivot from a raised to a lowered position, using a biasing member connected to the shelf and upright members, with a stop to prevent the shelf from extending below a horizontal orientation, enabling easy adjustment and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a fixed position shelf is used, then the shelf provides stable support, but it takes up valuable space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf is designed to transition between fixed and movable states. When in use, the shelf assumes a fixed horizontal position for stability. When not in use, it can be pivoted to a vertical stowed position against the vehicle wall, dynamically adapting to space requirements without compromising structural integrity during operation.
2Volume of moving object
If a stowable shelf design is implemented, then space is saved when not in use, but the design becomes complicated and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system is divided into distinct functional components: the shelf panel itself, the biasing bracket with pivot mechanism, the stop member for positioning, and the biasing member for force application. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simple, cost-effective processes while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member automatically provides the force needed to hold the shelf in its horizontal or vertical position without requiring additional actuators, motors, or complex control systems. The mechanical self-service nature of the biasing mechanism eliminates expensive powered components while ensuring reliable shelf positioning.
3Volume of moving object
If a complex stowable design is used, then the shelf can be stowed, but additional failure modes are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The shelf system uses simple, robust mechanical components that are inherently reliable and resistant to failure. The biasing bracket, stop member, and pivot connection are designed as straightforward mechanical elements without complex electronics or precision mechanisms, reducing potential failure points while maintaining adequate service life for vehicle applications.
4Ease of manufacture
If a simple shelf design is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the shelf cannot be stowed when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The biasing bracket integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the pivot connection for rotation, incorporates the stop member for positioning, and serves as the mounting point for the biasing member. This merging of functions into a unified bracket structure achieves the stowable capability without requiring multiple separate components, keeping the design simple and cost-effective.
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
The solution provides a simple, robust, and cost-effective shelf system that can be easily positioned and adjusted within a vehicle, optimizing space usage while reducing manufacturing costs and potential failure modes.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member having a first end and a second end. The first end may be attached to the rear portion of the biasing member bracket and the second end may be attached to the at least one side bracket
Implementation Method 2
A pivot may extend through the pivot bracket and into the biasing bracket to permit selective movement of the shelf member
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf system may have a shelf member, and a biasing bracket attached to the shelf member having a rear portion and a forward portion. The system may also have a biasing member having a first end connected to the rear portion of the biasing bracket and a second end connected to the shelf member. The forward portion of the biasing bracket may have a lower stop adapted to prevent the shelf member from extending below a horizontal orientation. And, a pivot bracket may be located behind the lower stop through which a pivot extends and into the biasing bracket to permit selective movement of the shelf member.