Vehicle Bed Floor Ridges with Localized Thickness and Texture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional load-carrying bed systems in vehicles lack effective solutions to prevent cargo movement and wear on the bed floor, as the existing corrugations provide minimal restraint and are prone to damage from cargo contact.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a bed floor with longitudinally extending, spaced apart raised ridges featuring a corrugated profile, with side walls and top walls of varying thicknesses for increased strength and rigidity, and a wear-resistant surface texture to reduce damage from cargo contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional flat-top ridges are used in the bed floor, then the bed floor provides basic cargo support, but the ridges are prone to wear and damage from cargo contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by giving different thicknesses to different parts of the ridge structure. The side walls have a first thickness while the top wall has a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness. This localized thickening at the top wall provides enhanced durability and wear resistance at the area most subject to cargo contact, while maintaining the overall structural integrity of the ridge.
2Strength
If conventional uniform thickness ridges are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ridges lack sufficient rigidity and strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by varying the thickness of different ridge portions. The top wall is designed with a greater thickness than the side walls, creating a non-uniform structure that enhances rigidity and strength where needed. This localized structural variation provides improved mechanical properties without requiring complete redesign of the entire ridge system.
3Ease of operation
If smooth ridge surfaces are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ridges provide minimal cargo restraint and allow cargo movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of surface texture modification by providing ridges with a textured surface that includes protrusions and recesses. This texturing creates friction between the ridge surface and cargo, improving cargo restraint and preventing cargo movement. The textured surface is integrated into the ridge structure, providing enhanced functionality without requiring separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo protecting system for a vehicle having a load-carrying bed comprises a support structure and a bed floor fixedly supported by the support structure. The support structure forms at least a portion of a frame of a vehicle. The bed floor includes a support surface having a plurality of longitudinal extending, spaced apart raised ridges for directly supporting cargo. Each ridge has elevated and angled parts and an upper part. The upper part of each ridge has an increased thickness compared to the other parts and a raised section for increased strength and rigidity of the ridge. Each ridge includes a wear resistant surface having a first texture disposed substantially over the entire ridge and a second texture disposed over the upper part of the ridge. The second texture is disposed at least partially over the first texture.