Convertible Truck Rack With Foldable Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current truck accessories such as truck racks, tonneau covers, and truck bed tents do not offer the flexibility to provide open rack space, concealed trunk space, and enclosed cargo or living space at the operator's discretion.
Innovation Solution
A convertible rack system that includes a base frame and foldable assemblies with rack and roof sections, allowing the structure to transition between a flat conformation for enclosed cargo, a rack conformation for carrying cargo, and a covered conformation for temporary shelter, using a combination of foldable designs and support members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a truck rack is installed to carry cargo above the bed, then cargo transport capability is improved, but the truck bed loses enclosed cargo space
Solution Approach 1:
The rack structure incorporates foldable assemblies that can dynamically transition between vertical and horizontal positions, allowing the same structure to provide either open rack space or enclosed cargo space depending on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The convertible rack system serves multiple functions: it can operate as an open rack for carrying materials, transform into a flat conformation to create enclosed cargo space, and even provide covered conformation for shelter, eliminating the need for separate accessories
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a tonneau cover is installed to cover and secure the truck bed, then cargo security and protection are improved, but open rack space and versatility are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The tonneau cover is designed with foldable assemblies that can dynamically adjust between covering the bed for protection and opening to create rack space, providing both security and versatility through the same structure
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is divided into multiple foldable sections that can be independently positioned, allowing selective opening for rack access while maintaining coverage for cargo protection
3Volume of stationary object
If a truck cap is installed to enclose space above the box, then enclosed cargo space and protection are improved, but adaptability for different cargo configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The truck cap incorporates foldable assemblies that enable dynamic transformation between enclosed conformation for cargo protection and open conformation for rack configurations, maintaining both enclosed space benefits and adaptability
Data Source
AI summary
Convertible racks and vehicles incorporating convertible racks are disclosed. The convertible rack is adapted to form a flat conformation (e.g., like a tonneau cover), a rack conformation (e.g., like a truck rack), and a covered conformation (e.g., like a truck bed tent). The convertible rack includes a left foldable assembly and a right foldable assembly. Each of the foldable assemblies include a rack section and a roof section. When in the flat conformation and rack conformations, the roof sections are folded onto the corresponding rack sections. In the flat conformation, the rack sections are generally positioned horizontal. In the rack conformation, the rack sections are generally positioned vertical. In the covered conformation, the roof sections are folded away from the rack sections and opposite side roof sections may be selectively coupled together.