Vehicle Upper Unit Extension Mechanism for Adaptable Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle configurations lack the ability to dynamically adjust the size of the upper unit according to the under unit, limiting flexibility in attachment, exchange, and storage scenarios.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an extension/contraction mechanism in the upper unit that can extend or contract based on the size of the under unit, allowing for adjustable length and height configurations, and utilizing a controller to manage this mechanism for optimal attachment and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the upper unit has a fixed size, then the structure is simple and stable, but it cannot adapt to different under unit sizes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to different under unit sizesVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The upper unit incorporates an extension/contraction mechanism that allows it to dynamically change its length according to the size of the under unit. The mechanism includes extendable and contractible components that enable the upper unit to adapt its dimensions, transforming it from a static structure to a dynamic one that can respond to different attachment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The upper unit is divided into multiple segments or sections that can be extended or contracted independently. This segmentation allows the structure to adjust its overall length by extending or retracting specific segments, providing adaptability to different under unit sizes while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the upper unit is extended to fit larger under units, then adaptability improves, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different under unit sizesVSAvoidstorage space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The extension/contraction mechanism allows the upper unit to be collapsed into a compact form for storage. When not in use or when attached to smaller under units, the upper unit can be contracted to minimize its volume, enabling efficient storage in limited spaces while still maintaining the capability to extend when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Ease of manufacture

If the upper unit structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but flexibility in configuration is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The upper unit is designed with a universal extension/contraction mechanism that can be integrated into a relatively simple base structure. This mechanism provides multi-functionality, allowing the same upper unit design to accommodate various under unit sizes and configurations, thereby achieving configuration flexibility without requiring multiple specialized designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11673608B2Vehicle, upper unit and non-transitory storage medium

Publication Date: 2023.06.13 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A vehicle comprises an under unit which is equipped with a driving mechanism configured to rotate wheels of the vehicle, and an upper unit which is mounted on the under unit. The upper unit comprises an extension/contraction mechanism which is configured to extend or contract the upper unit according to a size of the under unit.