Expandable Cargo Box Assembly for Pickup Trucks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cargo bed storage systems in pickup trucks are cumbersome and occupy valuable space, failing to provide adequate security and privacy for cargo, as they are not easily stowable when not in use.
Innovation Solution
An expandable cargo box assembly that mounts on the side wall of the cargo bed, featuring a base member, folding floor assembly, collapsible walls, and an inner wall plate, allowing for a stowed position when not in use and expanding for cargo storage, with a lid assembly for security and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional cargo bed storage systems are used, then cargo security and storage capability are improved, but cargo bed space is reduced and the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo box is designed with collapsible walls and a folding floor assembly that allow it to dynamically change between an expanded storage configuration and a compressed stowed configuration. The side walls include collapsible sections with hinges and struts, while the floor assembly folds along defined axes, enabling the box to reduce its volume when not in use while maintaining full security functionality when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo box structure is divided into multiple independent collapsible sections including side walls with separate collapsible portions, a folding floor assembly with multiple panels, and a lid assembly that can independently fold. This segmentation allows each component to fold and compress systematically, reducing overall volume while maintaining the ability to provide complete cargo security when expanded
2Reliability
If traditional cargo bed storage systems are used, then cargo storage capability is improved, but the system becomes cumbersome and difficult to stow
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static traditional storage system to a dynamic expandable cargo box that can be deployed and stowed as needed. The collapsible walls with hinge mechanisms and the folding floor assembly enable smooth transitions between expanded and compressed states, making the system easy to stow when not in use while providing full storage capability when deployed
Solution Approach 2:
When the cargo box is in its stowed configuration, the collapsible walls fold inward and the folding floor assembly compresses, allowing the entire structure to nest within a minimal space along the cargo bed side wall. The lid assembly also folds compactly, enabling the complete system to be stored in a space-efficient manner without protruding into the cargo bed
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an expandable cargo box assembly for mounting on a side wall section of a cargo bed. The cargo box assembly comprises a base member for attaching the expandable cargo box assembly to the side wall section. The base member supports a folding floor assembly and forward and rearward collapsible walls at each end of the base member. The cargo box assembly also includes an inner wall plate attached to the forward and rearward collapsible walls opposite to the base member. The base member, the folding floor assembly, the forward and rearward collapsible walls and the inner wall plate collectively define an expandable enclosure that can be positioned in a stowed position when not in use, and is configured to expand to a deployed position to receive cargo.