Adjustable Cargo Box and Load Bar for Pickup Truck Bed

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo systems for pickup trucks lack versatility and effectiveness in restraining both smaller and larger cargo items, as they are either fixedly mounted or require cumbersome solutions like bungee cords, and fail to provide adjustable positioning within the truck bed.

Innovation Solution

A cargo supporting and restraining system featuring a U-shaped load bar assembly with sliding and adjustable positioning along support rails, a locking mechanism, and a removably secured cargo box with a solar panel and rechargeable battery, allowing for flexible positioning and use as a bed divider or load restraint.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixedly mounted cargo box is used, then cargo storage is provided, but the system lacks adjustability and versatility for different cargo configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of cargo box positionVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate modular components: a cargo box assembly, a load bar assembly, and support rails. The cargo box can be detached from the load bar and repositioned along the rails, allowing flexible configuration without requiring a completely fixed mounting system. This segmentation enables adaptability while keeping individual components relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cargo box assembly is designed to be dynamically repositionable along the support rails through a locking mechanism that allows the box to be moved to different longitudinal positions and secured at desired locations. This dynamic positioning capability provides adjustability while maintaining stability when locked in place.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If bungee cords or tie down straps are used to restrain cargo, then some restraint capability is provided, but the system is cumbersome and ineffective for larger items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of cargo restraintVSAvoidcomplexity of restraint system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The load bar assembly serves multiple functions: it can support the cargo box assembly when attached, or it can be used independently as a restraint component for larger cargo items when the box is removed. This multi-functionality provides reliable restraint capability without requiring separate dedicated restraint systems, thereby reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The load bar assembly acts as an intermediary component between the cargo box and the support rails. It can mediate between different cargo configurations by either supporting the box or serving as a standalone restraint structure, providing versatile and reliable cargo management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a removable cargo box system is used, then versatility is improved, but the connection reliability between box and support structure may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremovability of cargo boxVSAvoidconnection stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is designed to secure the cargo box assembly to the load bar assembly before travel begins. This preliminary securing action ensures that the connection is established and verified before the vehicle is in motion, maintaining reliability while allowing removability when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism uses simple, robust components that can be quickly engaged and disengaged. While individual locking components may be simple and relatively inexpensive, their design ensures sufficient reliability for the application through repeated use and easy replacement if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables quick repositioning of the cargo box within the truck bed, effectively restrains both smaller and larger items, and serves as a load bar for larger items when the box is removed, enhancing cargo management and security during vehicle travel.

Implementation Method 1

A solar panel disposed on the lid, and a rechargeable battery is disposed in the carbo box assembly and in electrical communication with the solar panel to be recharged by the solar panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolar energy conversion: Photovoltaic Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10166930B2Adjustably positionable cargo box and load restraining bar system for pickup truck bed

Publication Date: 2019.01.01 JAC PRODUCTS INC

AI summary

A cargo supporting and restraining system is disclosed for use within a cargo area of a vehicle. The system may have a pair of support rails fixedly secured to opposing interior wall surfaces of a pair of sidewalls of a vehicle cargo area. A load bar assembly may be used which has a generally U-shaped frame, and which is supported for sliding movement and adjustable positioning along the support rails. A locking system may be associated with the load bar assembly for locking the load bar assembly at a desired longitudinal position along the support rails. A cargo box assembly may also be provided which is removably secured to the load bar assembly. A locking assembly is operably associated with the cargo box assembly for locking the cargo box to the load bar assembly to prevent removal of the cargo box assembly.