Cargo storage patent (R3 / R3X)

[Katsudon]

Cargo storage patent posted by @Hilbe

Rivian has a patent application made public which appears to feature an R3. The filing is for a "vehicle cargo storage apparatus". This could be used to make the R3 a much more capable vehicle by giving additional storage.

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[Hilbe]

This is my favorite picture…

 

[CharonPDX]

While the body design looks like an R3, that's now how the R3-as-demoed rear hatch works. That's closer to the R2/R1S hatch.

On R3, the whole hatch opens up, it's just that the glass can also open up separately. (Like my old Ford Explorer could.)

 

[MountainBikeDude]

While the body design looks like an R3, that's now how the R3-as-demoed rear hatch works. That's closer to the R2/R1S hatch.

On R3, the whole hatch opens up, it's just that the glass can also open up separately. (Like my old Ford Explorer could.)

This style of hatch is more functional than the demo model. Also eliminates the multi strut system it would have required

 

[Zoidz]

As we have discussed before, don't get overly optimistic about a patent becoming an actual product. Rivian has a bunch of patents that have never made it to production.

This image prompts another puzzle. I have not seen an R3 in person, just photos. In the patent drawing and in photos it appears the turn/brake lights are only built into the foldable tailgate, which does not meet US safety requirements for fixed lighting. If so, it seems to me the rear design will have to change, unless they have brake/turn indicators in the lower bumper/fasica area?

 

[savethemanual]

The requirement is for when the hatch might be open on side of road, others can still see hazards. BMW iX has lights behind the tailgate to meet this.

 

[Mathme]

My first thought was, "oh the rock chips on that tailgate when down...."

 

[bike123.com]

Rock chips……
Though we’d like to have an easy enough life to even think about those let alone let it bother us, we’ve learned to live with cracked glass and taillights, dents front to rear head to toe, and some ripped upholstery.
The T is a workhorse and we’re excited about the R3 to live the 70’s again when we had a ‘77 Rabbit to abuse.
A dinged up tailgate is something we never see when driving.

 

[gtpowell]

I suspect this concept will have very limited use. I say this because, as everyone who has ever driven a vehicle having a rear glass or rear hatch open in this manner will attest to, the excessive amount of exhaust and road debris/dirt which enters through an open rear window/hatch can quickly become overwhelming. Granted this vehicle has no exhaust fumes, but there is always road film/dirt in addition to exhaust from nearby ICE vehicles. Even worse than the on-pavement driving experience, the massive volumes of dust kicked up behind the vehicle when driving in an off-pavement situation, will make driving in this manner practically impossible. Been there and done that..!!

 

[MaskedRacerX]

The requirement is for when the hatch might be open on side of road, others can still see hazards. BMW iX has lights behind the tailgate to meet this.

Hahaha, yes, I love this bit of weird design on our iX

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