Interchangeable Flatbed Skirts for Varying Rear Axle Positions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Custom flatbed assemblies are required for each truck brand due to varying rear axle positions, leading to increased manufacturing and inventory costs, and existing solutions often require welding for attachment, which complicates installation and removal.

Innovation Solution

A flatbed assembly with interchangeable skirts that have wheel wells positioned to accommodate different rear axle locations, using the same fastening locations, allowing for a single flatbed model to be used across multiple truck brands, and utilizing bolts and nuts for easy installation and removal without welding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If custom flatbed assemblies are made for each truck brand to accommodate varying rear axle positions, then the fit and functionality for each specific truck is improved, but manufacturing and inventory costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying rear axle positionsVSAvoidmanufacturing and inventory costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The flatbed assembly is designed with universal mounting features that allow it to be adapted to multiple truck brands and models. The system uses adjustable mounting positions and interchangeable components (such as different-length side rails or adjustable mounting brackets) that enable a single flatbed design to accommodate varying rear axle positions across different truck platforms, eliminating the need for completely custom assemblies for each truck brand.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The flatbed assembly is divided into modular segments that can be independently adjusted or replaced. Components such as side rails, cross members, and mounting brackets are segmented to allow for adjustment of the overall length and mounting positions, enabling the same flatbed platform to be configured for different wheelbase lengths and rear axle positions of various truck models.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If welding is used for attaching skirts to the flatbed, then the attachment strength is improved, but the complexity of installation and removal increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidinstallation and removal process

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces welding (a thermal/chemical joining process) with mechanical fastening systems such as bolts, nuts, and clips. This substitution maintains sufficient attachment strength for the application while dramatically simplifying installation and removal operations, allowing skirts to be attached and detached without specialized welding equipment or procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The fastening system is designed to be dynamically adjustable during installation, allowing for easy tightening and loosening of mechanical fasteners. This enables the attachment strength to be optimized during installation while maintaining the capability for quick removal and reinstallation, providing both strength and operational ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240158022A1Methods and Apparatus for Flatbeds

Publication Date: 2024.05.16 HUGHES FLATBEDS LLC

AI summary

A flatbed (10) is provided to which left and right-side skirts with wheel wells (14) may be coupled. Sets of skirts are provided with the wheel wells (14) in each set located in a respective predetermined position on the skirts to match a respective truck axle position, the respective predetermined position being different from set to set.