Extendable Tilt Assembly for Independent Cargo Bed Tilting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cargo handling systems, such as U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,389, lack the ability to tilt the lower extendable assembly for easy loading and unloading, and proper cleaning, especially when handling heavy or bulky items like dirt, crushed rock, or garbage, and do not offer sufficient configuration options for vehicles with auxiliary equipment like fuel tanks.
Innovation Solution
The Extendable Tilt Assembly System introduces a tailgate guide assembly with removable catch members and tracking wheels, a modified guide assembly with locking holes and adjustable stabilizer components, and a modified upper and lower extendable assembly with stabilizer components and cross members, allowing independent or combined tilting of the assemblies for easy access and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cargo handling system with extendable assemblies is installed in the cargo bed area, then cargo can be transported and accessed, but the lower extendable assembly is unable to tilt to release loads or for proper cleaning purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the cargo handling function into separate upper and lower extendable assemblies, each capable of independent tilting. The lower assembly includes its own tilting mechanism with catch members and guide runners, separating the tilting function from the upper assembly and allowing independent operation for loading and cleaning purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower extendable assembly incorporates dynamic tilting capability through movable catch members and guide runners that enable the assembly to tilt forward and backward. This dynamic movement allows the lower assembly to adapt its angle for both cargo release and cleaning operations without requiring complete disassembly.
2Ease of operation
If the cargo bed is enclosed by a tonneau cover or topper, then cargo is protected, but access to transported cargo in the bed becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The extendable assemblies protrude outward from the cargo bed in a horizontal dimension, allowing cargo to be accessed and manipulated from the rear opening without requiring vertical access through the enclosed bed. The tilting capability adds an angular dimension, enabling cargo to be dumped outward without climbing into the enclosed space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If auxiliary equipment like fuel tanks is mounted in pickups, then vehicle functionality is enhanced, but configuration options for cargo handling systems are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo handling system is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various vehicle configurations. The guide assembly and extendable assemblies can be installed in different positions and orientations to work around auxiliary equipment like fuel tanks, allowing the same basic system to adapt to multiple vehicle layouts and cargo handling needs.
Data Source
AI summary
Improvements to U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,389, Cargo Handling System, are desirable in order to tilt either the lower or upper extendable assembly independently or together to facilitate proper cleaning and to increase options for tilting, hauling, loading, and unloading purposes. The Extendable Tilt Assembly System is created by adding a tailgate guide assembly and modifying the guide assembly, the lower extendable assembly and the upper extendable assembly of U.S. Pat. No. 9,346,389.