Expandable Cargo Net With Spring Reels for Pickup Bed Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for securing items in pickup truck beds, such as tarps and elastic nets, are either ineffective in preventing objects from flying out during transport or difficult to install and store, posing safety risks and being largely unused due to lack of engagement.
Innovation Solution
An expandable net system utilizing spring reels with tension members and spiral springs, allowing for easy deployment and secure attachment to the truck bed rim, featuring retractable lines and hooks for secure coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tarp is used to cover the truck bed, then coverage is provided, but the Bernoulli principle causes the tarp to flap and be pulled upward, possibly causing it to work itself free and go flying off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible net structure made of interconnected elastic elements instead of a solid tarp. This net structure allows air to pass through, eliminating the aerodynamic lifting forces that cause tarps to flap and detach, while still providing effective cargo coverage and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The net structure functions as a porous covering that permits airflow through its open mesh. This porosity prevents the buildup of aerodynamic pressure differential across the covering material, eliminating the Bernoulli effect that causes traditional solid tarps to lift and detach during vehicle motion.
2Reliability
If elastic nets are used to secure cargo, then coverage is provided, but they are challenging to stretch to fit the needed area and collapse to a small enough package for easy stow
Solution Approach 1:
The net is constructed from multiple identical modular units, each comprising a frame with integrated spring reels. These standardized segments can be easily assembled together to cover different truck bed sizes, and each module can be independently collapsed and stored, simplifying both deployment and storage operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring reels are designed to automatically wind and unwind the tension members when deployed or collapsed, eliminating the need for manual stretching or tying. The user simply attaches the perimeter to the truck bed rim, and the spring mechanism self-regulates the tension and packaging, greatly enhancing ease of operation.
3Reliability
If traditional nets are used, then cargo coverage is possible, but there is nothing engaging about them, and they remain unused in a little-noticed corner of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The net features dynamic spring reels that automatically adjust tension as cargo is loaded or unloaded. This active, responsive behavior makes the system more engaging and adaptable to different cargo configurations, transforming it from a static, forgotten accessory into an active cargo management solution that users interact with regularly.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized modular design with adjustable spring tension allows the same net system to effectively secure various types and sizes of cargo. This versatility increases user engagement by demonstrating the system's adaptability to different needs, preventing it from becoming a single-use or forgotten item.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The expandable net effectively prevents items from being dislodged during transport, is easy to install and store, and provides a secure and engaging solution for securing cargo in pickup truck beds, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
a spiral spring anchored at the anchor and having an outer end, attached to the side wall
Implementation Method 2
the Bernoulli principal causes the tarp to flap annoyingly and to be pulled upwardly
Data Source
AI summary
A two line spring reel unit, including a housing defining a first opening and a second opening; a first anchor and a second anchor, inside and fixed to the housing; a first spiral spring having an inner end held by the first anchor and a second spiral spring having an interior end held by the second anchor; a first spool, fixed to rotate about a first pin, and a second spool set to rotate about a second pin and wherein the first spiral spring has an outer end attached to the first spool and the second spiral spring has an outer end attached to the second spool; and a first tension member, wrapped about the first spool and extending out of the first opening and a second tension member wrapped about the second spool and extending out of the second opening.