Vehicle Bed Sidewall Mounting for Accessible Cargo Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods and systems for securing cargo to vehicles, such as pickup trucks, face challenges with roof racks being hard to reach and hitch mount racks interfering with the tailgate and exposing cargo to dirt, necessitating improved solutions for easy access and protection.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system with a bracket and securement mechanism that attaches to the sidewall of a vehicle bed, allowing load support structures to be positioned below the top rim, featuring adjustable and reinforced components for secure attachment and easy access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If roof racks are used to secure cargo to vehicles, then storage capacity is increased, but accessibility to cargo and vehicle components becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidaccessibility to cargo and tailgate

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system transitions cargo storage from the vertical dimension (roof racks) to the lateral dimension (side of vehicle bed), allowing cargo to be stored on the exterior side of the vehicle bed while maintaining easy access to the tailgate and vehicle components from the rear

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Quantity of substance

If hitch mount racks are used to secure cargo, then storage capacity is increased, but cargo is exposed to dirt and interference with vehicle operation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidexposure to dirt and interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system uses the vehicle bed sidewall as an intermediary structure to support cargo externally, positioning it above the wheel well area where it is protected from mud and dirt kicked up by the vehicle, while avoiding interference with tailgate and door operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Quantity of substance

If mounting structures are positioned above the top rim of the sidewall, then cargo storage is improved, but interference with tailgate and door operation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo storageVSAvoidinterference with tailgate and door

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system positions the load support structure at a specific location on the exterior side of the vehicle bed, with the engagement between the mounting assembly and load support structure positioned at or below the top rim of the sidewall, creating a localized solution that avoids interference while maintaining storage capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20250276652A1Mounting system for securing items to vehicle

Publication Date: 2025.09.04 HOCH BRANDS LLC

AI summary

A mounting system for removably attaching components to a vehicle having a bed portion, the bed portion including at least one sidewall defining a top rim, the mounting system including a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly is configured to be secured to the sidewall and to support a load; a load support structure, wherein the load support structure is configured to couple to the mounting assembly; an engagement between the mounting assembly and the load support structure being positioned at or below the top rim of the sidewall.