Vehicle Bed Restraint Pivot Mount for Crash Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fold-down bed restraint systems in long haul trucks concentrate load on the front of the bed frame, leading to distortion during crashes, necessitating additional straps for even load distribution and preventing distortion.
Innovation Solution
A restraint system that redistributes the load from the front of the bed frame to pivot bolts and brackets connected to the side cab walls, using a mattress support and pivot bolts to engage the bed frame with the cab walls, thereby dispersing the force across a larger area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the restraint system load is concentrated on the front of the bed frame, then the restraint system can be simpler, but the bed frame distorts during crashes
Solution Approach 1:
The bed frame is divided into multiple slats (front slat, back slat, and side slats) that can independently absorb and distribute crash forces. The restraint system connects to multiple discrete points on these slats rather than concentrating load on a single front structure, segmenting the force distribution across the entire bed frame assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint system transitions from a one-dimensional front-focused connection to a two-dimensional distributed connection pattern. The load is spread across multiple slats in both longitudinal and lateral dimensions, creating a planar distribution network that prevents concentrated stress points and frame distortion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If extra straps are added to distribute load evenly, then bed frame distortion is prevented, but the restraint system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The restraint system merges the frame reinforcement function with the existing restraint straps. Instead of adding separate structural supports, the restraint straps themselves are configured to provide both restraint and structural reinforcement by connecting to multiple slats, combining two functions into a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraint straps serve dual functions: they restrain the occupant during normal operation and simultaneously act as structural reinforcement elements during crashes. By selecting attachment points on multiple slats, the same straps provide both safety restraint and frame stabilization, eliminating the need for separate reinforcement components.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a safety restraint device for a bed for a motor vehicle to protect the bed's occupant during a crash situation without damaging the frame of the bed. The restraint device attaches to the bed with a pivot bolt. The pivot bolt also pivotally connects the side slat of the bed frame and a pivot bracket.