Multi-Channel Cross-Struts for Sliding Truck Bed Beam Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Unistrut channels lack flexibility in attaching components facing different directions, requiring time-consuming modifications like welding or drilling, and lack surfaces for smooth rolling and sliding, resulting in structures with low structural integrity and weight efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The structural channels feature a cross-section with multiple channels oriented in four directions, providing platforms for sliding and fastening components and conduits for protecting internal components, allowing multiple carriers to move linearly with guiding features for load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If Unistrut channels are used to attach components facing different directions, then structural support is provided, but time-consuming modifications like welding or drilling are required
Solution Approach 1:
The beam cross-section is segmented into multiple independent channels oriented in different directions (four-directional configuration), allowing components to be attached in various directions without modification. Each channel serves as an independent attachment path, eliminating the need for welding or drilling modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam structure provides universal attachment capability in four directions through its multi-channel cross-section. This multi-functional design allows the same beam to accommodate components facing different directions without requiring direction-specific modifications, making the attachment process universally applicable across all orientations.
2Strength
If Unistrut channels are used to attach components facing different directions, then structural support is provided, but the structure lacks structural integrity or has low structural integrity to weight ratio
Solution Approach 1:
The beam utilizes a composite structural design combining multiple channel sections in a single integrated cross-section. This composite configuration provides enhanced structural integrity and strength-to-weight ratio compared to single-channel Unistrut, as the multi-channel design distributes loads more efficiently across the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-directional Unistrut channels to a four-directional multi-channel cross-section, adding dimensional complexity to the structure. This multi-dimensional configuration provides structural support in multiple directions simultaneously, enhancing overall structural integrity without proportionally increasing weight.
3Ease of operation
If Unistrut channels are used, then structural support is provided, but surfaces for smooth rolling and sliding are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The beam provides localized smooth surfaces within each channel specifically designed for rolling and sliding operations. These local quality features (smooth internal surfaces) are integrated into the overall structural beam, allowing ease of operation for moving components while maintaining the beam's structural integrity through its robust multi-channel configuration.
Data Source
AI summary
The present technology relates to beams having a cross section defining a plurality of channels and assemblies comprising the beams. The beams can be used to form a beam assembly that is installed inside the truck bed of a pick-up truck. A ladder loader and a solar panel assembly can be pivotably secured to the beam assembly along either the driver side wall or the passenger side wall of the truck bed.