Variable friction cargo surface system for vehicles

US10953784B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignees

• GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC · US
• THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · US

Inventors

• Paul W. Alexander · Ypsilanti, US
• Wonhee M. Kim · Royal Oak, US
• Diann Brei · Milford, US
• Jonathan E. Luntz · Ann Arbor, US
• Koray Benli · Ann Arbor, US
• Laura Alejandra Giner Munoz · Ann Arbor, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Nov 1, 2018
• Grant date: Mar 23, 2021
• Expiry date: Mar 19, 2039

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B63B25/24
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Cargo systems are provided for vehicles that include, in one embodiment: a variable cargo surface disposed within a body of the vehicle behind one or more occupant seats, the variable cargo surface including: a low friction surface that facilitates movement of cargo within the cargo system, the low friction surface having a first coefficient of friction; a high friction surface that inhibits movement of cargo within the cargo system, the high friction surface having a second coefficient of friction that is greater than the first coefficient of friction; and a control device that selectively activates the low friction surface and the high friction surface based on conditions for the vehicle; wherein the low friction surface contacts the cargo within the cargo system when the low friction surface is activated; and the high friction surface contacts the cargo within the cargo system when the high friction surface is activated.