Vehicle Storage Cover Plate with Vertical and Horizontal Guide System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage compartment devices in vehicles lack adjustable kinematics that can adapt to varying installation conditions, limiting their functionality and usability, especially in providing additional storage surfaces when needed.

Innovation Solution

A device with a cover plate adjustment mechanism that includes a guide system with both vertical and horizontal guides, allowing the cover plate to move from a closed position into a horizontal storage position and a stowed position, thereby fully exposing the storage compartment without the cover protruding into the vehicle interior.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple hinge axis is used to open the cover, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different installation conditions is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover mechanism complexityVSAvoidadjustability to installation conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by transforming the static hinge connection into a dynamic guide system with multiple degrees of freedom. The cover plate is guided through vertical and horizontal movements by guide devices with guide tracks, allowing the cover to adapt its position dynamically. This enables the cover to be adjusted to different installation conditions while maintaining controlled movement, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the cover is moved into a horizontal storage position to provide additional storage surface, then the usability is improved, but the cover may obstruct the vehicle interior space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveusability as storage surfaceVSAvoidspace obstruction in vehicle interior
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent resolves this contradiction by moving the cover plate into a horizontal position that utilizes the vertical dimension of the storage compartment. The guide system allows the cover to be positioned horizontally above the storage compartment, creating additional storage surface area without protruding into the vehicle interior space. This dimensional transformation enables the cover to serve dual purposes: as a closure and as an additional storage platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the cover is fully retracted to completely expose the storage compartment, then the accessibility is improved, but the cover mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility to storage compartmentVSAvoidcover plate guide system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the cover plate movement into distinct phases: vertical movement along guide tracks, horizontal movement for retraction, and positioning in intermediate or final positions. The guide system is segmented into vertical guide devices and horizontal guide devices, each handling specific movement aspects. This segmentation allows full retraction for complete accessibility while organizing the complexity into manageable, functionally separated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2722231B1Device for covering a storage compartment and storage compartment arrangement
Publication Date: 2017.12.06 FAURECIA INNENRAUM SYSTEME GMBH
  • EP2722231B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2722231B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2722231B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The covering device comprises a cover (22) whose inner side forms a storage surface in the open state. The cover is moved from its closed position to form the support surface in a horizontal storage position or a stowed position, through the guides (40,42), such that a shelf (10) is at least partially opened in the storage position and in the stowage position. The cover is provided with a guide element (32) which displaceably guides one of the guides. The guide is formed as a vertical guide or a horizontal guide.