Vehicle Side Wall Storage for Elongated Items
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage designs fail to effectively accommodate elongated and delicate items like fish poles, hockey sticks, and golf clubs due to limited space and unconventional shapes, and lack suitable protection and access control.
Innovation Solution
A side wall storage system with a storage container positioned between inboard and outboard panels of a vehicle, featuring an adjustable leg for support, a closable door, a handle, lighting, and a unique locking mechanism that provides secure and flexible storage, allowing for the use of additional weight materials for traction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing vehicle storage designs are used, then general storage space is provided, but elongated and delicate items cannot be effectively accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is divided into separate components: a storage container, a closure, and a locking unit. This segmentation allows the container to be specifically designed for elongated items while maintaining ease of manufacture through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container utilizes the vertical space between the side wall and the wheel well, creating a new storage dimension that accommodates elongated items without interfering with the vehicle's horizontal space utilization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If storage space is added to accommodate unconventional items, then versatility is improved, but the vehicle structure complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container serves multiple functions: it stores elongated items, provides a lockable secure storage space, and can be integrated with the vehicle's existing structure. The locking unit provides both security and structural support.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is positioned within the wheel well area, nesting the storage function within the existing vehicle structure without requiring separate external mounting that would increase overall complexity.
3Reliability
If lockable storage is implemented, then security is improved, but access control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking unit is merged with the closure component, combining the sealing and locking functions into a single integrated mechanism. This reduces access control complexity while maintaining security through the patent-protected locking feature.
4Ease of operation
If storage container is made detachable, then ease of operation is improved, but structural stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The nose portion is designed with pre-formed attachment features that engage with corresponding receptacles in the wheel well. This preliminary design of attachment interfaces ensures stable connection when installed while allowing easy removal when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
In one or more embodiments, a storage system is provided for use with a vehicle including a side wall and a rear wheel positioned below the side wall; the storage system includes a storage container receivable within an elongated space defined between inboard and outboard panels of the side wall, the storage container including front and rearward portions respectively positioned front and rear to the rearmost point of the rear wheel. The storage system may further include a leg portion for supporting the rearward portion of the storage container. The leg portion may be adjustable in length and may be attached to the elongated space or to the storage container.