Collapsible Truck Rack Telescoping Design Reduces Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing truck racks are bulky, cumbersome, and require tools for assembly and disassembly, leading to increased drag and reduced gas mileage when not in use, and they often consume valuable storage space in the truck bed when collapsed.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible truck rack design that uses telescoping and angled supports with bendable joints, secured by clamping means like wingnuts, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly without tools, and collapses into the truck bed without occupying significant space, reducing drag and optimizing storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the rack is made rigid and maintains its shape, then structural strength is improved, but storage space consumption increases and drag on the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is divided into multiple vertical supports (first, second, third, fourth vertical supports) that can be independently positioned and collapsed. This segmentation allows the rack to maintain structural integrity when assembled while enabling compact folding for storage within the truck bed periphery.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack employs dynamic supports that can move between vertical and horizontal positions through hinge joints. The first and second vertical supports connect to horizontal supports that can pivot, allowing the structure to transition from an extended load-bearing configuration to a collapsed storage configuration, reducing both storage space consumption and vehicle drag.
2Volume of moving object
If the rack is made collapsible into small parts, then storage space consumption is reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into integrated components. The vertical supports incorporate hinge joints that combine positioning, support, and folding functions. The horizontal supports integrate connection points for both vertical supports and the cab extension, reducing the number of separate parts and simplifying assembly despite the collapsible design.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack employs self-aligning hinge joints and interlocking features that guide the supports into correct positions during assembly. The bendable joints with securing means allow the structure to self-stabilize when collapsed, reducing the need for complex alignment procedures or specialized assembly tools.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the rack requires bolting down at various points, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent bolting requirement is extracted and replaced with removable securing means. The hinge joints incorporate securing mechanisms (such as quick-release latches or friction-fit pins) that provide stable connections during use but can be quickly released for disassembly, eliminating the need for tools and permanent fastening operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack employs pre-positioned mounting points and pre-configured hinge joints that are factory-assembled. When deployed, the supports simply need to be inserted into predetermined locations on the truck bed and secured with quick-release mechanisms, rather than requiring on-site drilling, bolting, or complex assembly procedures.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the rack is left on the truck when not in use, then readiness for use is improved, but drag increases and gas mileage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The rack's dynamic collapse capability allows it to be quickly transformed from an extended configuration to a compact folded state that fits within the truck bed periphery. This enables the user to remove aerodynamic drag when the rack is not needed while maintaining the ability to rapidly deploy it when required, optimizing both fuel efficiency and operational readiness.
Solution Approach 2:
When collapsed, the rack components nest within the truck bed's internal periphery. The vertical and horizontal supports fold into a compact arrangement that occupies minimal space and does not protrude significantly from the truck body, thereby reducing aerodynamic drag and improving fuel economy when the rack is not in use.
Data Source
AI summary
A collapsible truck rack that can be assembled and disassembled easily without the use of tools. The rack can be stored in the interior periphery of the truck bed so as not to appreciable diminish the capacity of the truck bed for the placement therein of items to be transported. The rack does not increase the profile of the vehicle when in the collapsed position and therefore reduces drag during transport. An X-load is added to reduce shift of the load during turns. An optional brace can be bolted to the top surface of the periphery of the truck bad. An optional canvas cover can be used to cover the collapsed rack to secure and protect the rack when not in use.