Utility Vehicle Cargo Bed Side Wall Extension Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional utility vehicles have a complex cargo bed structure that requires laborious processes to expand the cargo space, which complicates the expansion operation and affects the ease of ingress/egress for rear seat passengers.
Innovation Solution
The utility vehicle design features side wall portions of the cargo bed that extend outward and forward to expand the cargo bed space, simplifying the structure and operation by allowing the rear seat to be moved to a non-use position, thereby expanding the cargo area without compromising passenger access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cargo bed structure includes an extension wall that rotates or slides to expand cargo space, then the cargo capacity is increased, but the structure becomes complicated and the expansion process becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the extension wall from the cargo bed structure, eliminating the need for complex rotating or sliding mechanisms. Instead, the cargo bed has fixed side wall portions that extend forward when the rear seat is in its non-use position, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining cargo space expansion capability
Solution Approach 2:
The rear seat serves multiple functions: it provides seating when in the in-use position and automatically defines the forward boundary of the cargo bed when in the non-use position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate extension wall mechanisms, reducing structural complexity
2Volume of moving object
If the extension wall is rotated or slid forward to expand cargo space, then the cargo capacity is increased, but the operation becomes laborious
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo bed automatically adapts its boundary based on the rear seat position. When the rear seat is moved to the non-use position, it automatically defines the forward limit of the cargo bed without requiring any manual operation of extension walls. The system serves itself by using the seat position to determine cargo space boundaries
3Device complexity
If the cargo bed structure is simplified by extending side wall portions forward, then the structure and operation are simplified, but the ease of ingress/egress for rear seat passengers may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo bed boundary is dynamic rather than fixed. The side wall portions extend forward only when the rear seat is in the non-use position, automatically adjusting to accommodate passenger needs when the seat is in use. This dynamic adaptation maintains ease of ingress/egress while simplifying the structure
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle includes a vehicle body frame, a pair of left and right front wheels and at least a pair of left and right rear wheels that are supported on the vehicle frame, a front seat that is provided to the rear of the front wheels, and a rear seat that is provided to the rear of the front seat and including an in-use position, a transition position, and a non-use position. A cargo bed, disposed to the rear of the front seat includes a bottom wall portion whereon the seat cushion portion of the rear seat is provided movably; a left side wall portion and a right side wall portion that are provided on the left and right side portions of the bottom wall portion, wherein the left side wall portion and the right side wall portion extend forward to the rear seat in its non-use position; and a rear wall portion that is provided at the rear end portion of the bottom wall portion. The utility vehicle further includes a rear floor provided between the front seat and the rear seat and lower than the bottom wall portion of the cargo bed.