Extendable Cargo Handling System for Tailgate Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pickup trucks and similar vehicles face challenges in accessing the entire cargo bed, especially when equipped with tonneau covers or toppers, and handling heavy loads without a power assist device.
Innovation Solution
A cargo handling system with guide rails, extendable assemblies, and locking mechanisms that allow easy access and unloading of cargo by bringing the cargo bed towards the tailgate, enabling easy access and dumping of heavy loads without the need to climb into the cargo bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the operator accesses cargo at the far reaches of the cargo bed, then the operator must climb into and crawl around in the cargo bed, but this reduces ease of operation and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the operator and the cargo at the far reaches of the cargo bed. It provides a platform with handholds and footrests that enables the operator to reach distant cargo without climbing into the cargo bed, thus maintaining ease of operation while eliminating safety hazards
Solution Approach 2:
The system extends the cargo access capability in a new dimension by deploying an extendable assembly that reaches from the near end of the cargo bed to the far end. This allows the operator to access cargo at the far reaches from a safe position at the near end, transforming the access problem from a vertical climbing task to a horizontal extension task
2Ease of operation
If the operator handles heavy cargo without power assist, then the operator can maintain system simplicity, but this increases the force required and reduces ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a mechanical advantage system with pulleys and cables that provides a counterbalancing force to the heavy cargo. This allows the operator to lift and move heavy loads with reduced effort, as the mechanical system counteracts a portion of the cargo weight, thereby improving ease of operation without requiring power assist
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the cargo bed is equipped with tonneau covers or toppers, then cargo protection is improved, but this worsens access to the entire cargo bed
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable assembly serves as an intermediary access mechanism that allows the operator to reach cargo throughout the cargo bed without removing the tonneau cover or topper. The assembly provides a platform that extends under the cover, enabling cargo access while maintaining the protective covering in place
4Ease of operation
If the extendable assembly is made long to reach far cargo, then cargo accessibility is improved, but this increases the device complexity and extends the time required to deploy/retract
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable assembly is divided into multiple segmented sections that can be independently extended and retracted. This segmentation allows the assembly to reach far cargo while maintaining manageable complexity, as each segment can be controlled separately and the overall deployment time is reduced compared to a single long extending mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo handling system includes a guide assembly, a lower extendable assembly, and an upper extendable assembly. The cargo handling system can be placed on a cargo bed of a transport vehicle. The cargo handling system allows a vehicle operator easy access to portions of a cargo bed that are difficult to reach, and facilitates unloading of cargo.