Deployable Load-Assist Roller for Cargo Bed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles with cargo beds face challenges in efficiently loading and unloading cargo due to the lack of a convenient and accessible load-assist mechanism that also provides easy storage when not in use.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle equipped with a load-assist roller that is movable between a stowed and deployed position, mounted on arms allowing rotation about a longitudinal axis, facilitating easy access and storage by being integrated with a split tailgate and winch system for efficient cargo handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a load-assist roller is installed in the cargo bed, then cargo loading and unloading efficiency is improved, but the device complexity and storage space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The roller is designed to be movable between a deployed position (projecting rearward of the panel) and a stowed position (beneath the upper surface of the panel). This dynamic positioning allows the roller to assist cargo loading when needed and be concealed when not in use, resolving the contradiction between providing load-assist functionality and maintaining a clean, space-efficient cargo bed appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller mechanism is integrated within the panel structure, with the roller being received within a recess in the panel when in the stowed position. This nesting approach allows the load-assist device to be housed within the existing cargo bed structure, minimizing additional device complexity and storage space requirements while still providing the productivity benefit when deployed.
2Ease of operation
If the roller projects rearward of the panel in deployed position, then accessibility for cargo handling is improved, but the loss of cargo bed volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The roller transitions between a deployed position where it projects rearward of the panel to assist with cargo handling, and a stowed position where it is beneath the upper surface of the panel, maximizing cargo bed volume. This dynamic design allows the system to provide ease of operation when needed while minimizing the loss of cargo bed volume during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller only projects rearward of the panel when actually needed for cargo handling operations. During normal cargo bed usage, the roller remains retracted beneath the panel surface, ensuring that cargo bed volume is fully available. This partial deployment approach minimizes the impact on cargo bed volume while still providing the accessibility benefit when required.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a motor vehicle including a load-assist roller. In some aspects, the techniques described herein relate to a motor vehicle, including a panel and a roller moveable between a stowed position and a deployed position. When the roller is in the deployed position, the roller projects rearward of a rear edge of the panel.