Vehicle Trunk Security Panel with Hinged Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with open interior configurations, such as some JEEP models, face challenges in securely storing items due to exposure to passersby, leading to potential theft.
Innovation Solution
A security device with a hingedly coupled side and top panel, along with an attachment mechanism, is integrated into the vehicle's trunk space, allowing for secure positioning and easy installation/removal, utilizing hooks and slots for secure attachment and a locking mechanism for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open interior configuration is used in the vehicle, then accessibility and ease of loading items is improved, but security against theft by passersby deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The security device is divided into separate panels (side panels and top panel) that can be independently positioned. These panels segment the trunk opening into a secured area and an accessible area, allowing the interior to remain generally open while providing targeted security for stored items.
Solution Approach 2:
The security device incorporates movable panels with hinges that can transition between different positions (secured and storage positions). This dynamic capability allows the security barrier to be deployed when needed and retracted when not needed, maintaining accessibility while providing security on demand.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a security device with movable panels is installed, then security against theft is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The security device is divided into separate panels (side panels and top panel) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each panel to be simple in structure while collectively providing comprehensive security coverage when assembled in the secured position.
Solution Approach 2:
The security device serves multiple functions: it provides theft protection when panels are in the secured position, and it can be folded into storage positions to allow full access or serve other purposes. This multi-functionality justifies the added structural elements by providing both security and accessibility modes.
3Ease of manufacture
If panels are hingedly coupled for movement between positions, then ease of installation and removal is improved, but structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panels are hingedly coupled to allow easy movement between secured and storage positions. The hinges enable simple rotational motion that requires minimal complex mechanisms while achieving the desired positional flexibility for both security and accessibility functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism with hooks and slots acts as an intermediary that simplifies the connection between the security device and the vehicle trunk. This standardized interface allows for easy installation and removal without requiring complex fastening systems.
4Ease of manufacture
If hooks and slots are used for attachment, then ease of installation and removal is improved, but attachment strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The hooks are pre-formed as integral parts of the attachment mechanism, and the slots are pre-positioned on the vehicle trunk. This preliminary preparation allows for quick installation by simply engaging the hooks with the slots, while the design ensures adequate attachment strength for the security application.
Data Source
AI summary
Security devices may include a side panel movably coupled to an attachment mechanism and to a top panel. The side panel may be positioned at least substantially transverse to the top panel with the at least one extension structure extending laterally outward from the top panel when in a secured position, and at least substantially parallel to the top panel with the at least one extension structure positioned laterally inward when in a storage position. Vehicles may include a trunk space with an attachment mechanism positioned within at least one slot in a floor of the trunk space. Other aspects, embodiments, and features are also included.