Vehicle Storage Structure With Pivot Lid For Flat Cargo Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle storage structures within passenger compartments lack a concealed, multi-purpose design that can be locked and expanded to form a flat cargo receiving surface, limiting their functionality and security.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage structure with a box and lid assembly fixed beneath the seat, featuring a pivotally connected second lid section that extends to form a flat surface, and a locking mechanism for secure access, blending seamlessly with the vehicle floor and seat assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional storage structure is installed within the passenger compartment, then it can store small personal effects and tools, but it lacks multi-purpose functionality and cannot be expanded to form a flat cargo receiving surface
Solution Approach 1:
The lid is divided into a first section and a second section that can move independently. The first section forms a cover while the second section extends to create a flat cargo receiving surface, allowing the storage structure to serve multiple purposes (storage and cargo handling) without requiring separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The second section of the lid is made movable through a hinge connection, allowing it to pivot between a retracted position (overlaying the first section) and an extended position (forming a flat surface). This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt between different functional states without permanent modification
2Ease of operation
If a concealed storage structure is installed beneath the seat, then it maintains a hidden appearance when not in use, but it limits accessibility and operational convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The storage structure is pre-positioned beneath the seat assembly during vehicle assembly, with the lid configured to pivot upward to an extended position. This preliminary arrangement allows the structure to remain concealed during normal vehicle use while providing easy access when needed, as the lid can be quickly opened without complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The lid transitions from a two-dimensional cover position to a three-dimensional extended position that protrudes forward of the seat assembly. This dimensional change allows the storage structure to maintain its concealed appearance when closed while providing adequate accessibility and cargo receiving capability when opened
3Adaptability or versatility
If the lid is made movable to extend forward of the seat assembly, then it defines a flat cargo receiving surface, but it increases the risk of unauthorized access when not locked
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is integrated directly into the first section of the lid, combining the security function with the structural component. This integration ensures that the movable lid that provides cargo receiving capability also has built-in security protection, eliminating the need for separate locking components and ensuring reliable protection against unauthorized access
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle storage structure has a box structure with a cargo compartment, a lid and a locking mechanism. The lid is movable between a lowered orientation covering the cargo compartment and a raised orientation exposing the cargo compartment. The lid has a first section and a second section connected to one another via a hinge. The second section is pivotally movable such that with the first section in the lowered orientation, the second section pivots between a retracted position overlaying the first section and an extended position defining a flat cargo receiving surface. The locking mechanism is fixedly attached to the first section of the lid and is configured to releasably lock the lid in the lowered orientation.