Expandable Cargo Tray Assembly for Adjustable Truck Bed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cargo supports for trucks face challenges in maneuvering heavy cargo due to sidewalls impeding access, requiring difficult manual loading and unloading, and are not adaptable to different vehicle dimensions and load capacities.
Innovation Solution
A cargo support system with retractable and expandable tray rails, adjustable installation for varying vehicle heights, and interchangeable components for different load capacities, featuring a handle with a lever mechanism for easy tray sliding and locking, and rollers for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tray is made extendable to clear the sidewalls, then cargo access is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tray mechanism is divided into separate components: the tray itself, the tray rails with rollers, and the base rails with latches. This segmentation allows the tray to be extended and retracted independently while maintaining structural integrity and simplifying the control mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
Rollers are introduced as intermediary elements between the tray rails and base rails, enabling smooth relative movement. The rollers reduce friction and allow the tray to glide easily during extension and retraction, improving ease of operation without requiring complex drive mechanisms.
2Reliability
If the latch mechanism is made more precise for secure positioning, then reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the tray rail at predetermined positions during extension. The spring-loaded latch self-activates when the tray reaches specific positions, providing reliable positioning without requiring manual intervention or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual latch operation is replaced with an automated spring-loaded mechanism that engages automatically at predetermined positions. This substitution maintains reliable positioning while significantly improving ease of operation, as the user simply needs to extend the tray rather than manually operate latches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cargo support is made adaptable to different vehicles, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The base rails are designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate different vehicle floor configurations. The same base rail assembly can be installed on various vehicle types by adjusting mounting positions and configurations, providing versatility without requiring vehicle-specific custom designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The installation system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that can adapt to different vehicle dimensions and configurations. The tray rail and base rail assemblies can be positioned at different locations and adjusted to suit specific vehicle requirements, enabling dynamic adaptation rather than static fixed designs.
4Ease of operation
If the handle mechanism is simplified for easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of tray control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The handle mechanism is merged with the latch control system, combining multiple functions into a single integrated component. Pulling the handle simultaneously performs the action of extending the tray and engaging the latch mechanism, providing both ease of operation and reliable control through a unified action.
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
Facilitates safe and easy loading/unloading of heavy cargo, adapts to various vehicles, and ensures secure tray positioning, enhancing safety and usability while accommodating different load requirements.
Implementation Method 1
a spring that applies a force against a flange of the latch or against a component connected to the latch
Implementation Method 2
a cable that extends from the latch control to the latch... a pulling of the lever causes a pulling of a cable that, in turn, pulls a latch against the force of a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo support includes: a tray; tray rails fastened to the tray and extending longitudinally and parallel to each other; and a base frame that includes base rails that extend longitudinally and parallel to each other. The rails are slidable relative to one another for sliding the tray longitudinally relative to the base frame in an expansion direction transitioning the cargo support from a retracted state of the cargo support to expanded states, and in a retraction direction transitioning the cargo support from the expanded states to the retracted state. The tray has a handle at a tailgate end including a control of a latch for locking in one of the states. Rollers supporting the tray rails have differently sized grooves. Different pairs of bores at different coordinates are provided for variable installation heights of the rollers. A stiffener is used for cargo supports rated for having higher weight ratings.