Adjustable Cargo Rails for Pickup Trucks

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a simple, convenient, and easy-to-use apparatus and method to increase the cargo carrying capacity of a motor vehicle while allowing the cargo bed to remain free for other storage and enabling the use of tonneau covers.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising two rails that can be adjusted along the length of a pickup truck's cargo bed, supported by track members with angularly offset keyways and clamp levers, allowing the rails to be raised, pivoted, and locked into position to support cargo accessories like bicycle racks without obstructing the tonneau cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If cargo carrying capacity is increased by adding support structures, then cargo capacity is improved, but cargo bed space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo carrying capacityVSAvoidcargo bed space

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rail system is positioned above the cargo bed rather than within it, utilizing vertical space to support cargo accessories. This dimensional transition allows cargo carrying capacity to increase while preserving the horizontal cargo bed space for other storage needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The rail system acts as an intermediary structure that supports cargo accessories (bicycle racks, roof top storage vessels) above the cargo bed. This mediator enables cargo capacity expansion without direct occupation of cargo bed space.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If rail system is added to increase cargo capacity, then cargo capacity is improved, but tonneau cover operation is hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo carrying capacityVSAvoidtonneau cover operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rail system is extracted and positioned outboard of the tonneau cover, separating the cargo support function from the cargo bed area. This extraction allows the tonneau cover to operate freely without obstruction while the rails continue to support cargo accessories above the cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If rails are made adjustable for versatility, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo accessory positioning flexibilityVSAvoidrail adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rails incorporate adjustable positioning mechanisms with keys and keyways that allow dynamic repositioning along the cargo bed. This dynamic capability enables versatile cargo accessory placement while using mechanical simplicity (keys sliding in keyways) to minimize overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10556534B2Apparatus and method for transporting cargo over a cargo bed

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An apparatus and method are provided for transporting cargo over a cargo bed. The apparatus includes a first rail, having a first key and a second key, and a first track member including (a) a first keyway having a first end and a second end, (b) a second keyway axially aligned with the first end and (c) a third keyway axially aligned with the second end.