Flexible Vehicle Bed Extender with Bracket and Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle bed extenders are complex to assemble and disassemble, occupy valuable space when not in use, and limit expansion to the dimensions of a tailgate, failing to adequately enlarge the cargo area.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle bed extender comprising a flexible member, a bracket, and stiffeners that simplify assembly and disassembly, facilitate compact storage, and expand the cargo area beyond the tailgate dimensions, using a rubber belt with reinforcement and adjustable attachments to secure to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional bed extenders are used to enlarge cargo area, then the storage capacity is increased, but the assembly and disassembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bed extender is divided into multiple modular components including side walls, a back wall, and a tailgate that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows for simplified installation and removal processes while maintaining the ability to form a complete enclosed structure when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The bed extender incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow for dynamic configuration. The side walls and back wall can be positioned and secured in various configurations, enabling easy assembly and disassembly while providing flexible storage solutions
2Quantity of substance
If traditional bed extenders are used to enlarge cargo area, then the storage capacity is increased, but the components occupy valuable space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The bed extender components are designed to nest within each other when not in use. The side walls, back wall, and other components can be stored within the vehicle bed or within each other, minimizing the space occupied when the extender is not deployed
Solution Approach 2:
The extender components are designed with collapsible and foldable features that allow them to reduce to compact forms for storage. The side walls can be folded or collapsed to minimize volume when not in use
3Quantity of substance
If traditional bed extenders are used, then the storage area is enlarged to tailgate dimensions, but the expansion is limited and inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The bed extender incorporates adjustable and movable components that allow for dynamic reconfiguration of the storage space. The side walls and back wall can be positioned at different locations and angles, enabling expansion beyond fixed tailgate dimensions and providing adaptable storage solutions for various cargo configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The bed extender is designed with universal components that can be configured for multiple storage scenarios and cargo types. The modular design allows the same components to serve different functions and accommodate various expansion needs beyond just tailgate-level enlargement
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
Simplifies attachment and detachment, minimizes storage volume, and effectively enlarges the usable cargo area beyond the tailgate dimensions, enhancing usability and safety during transport.
Implementation Method 1
a flexible member, a bracket, and at least one stiffener. The flexible member defines a back wall disposed between a pair of extension walls
Implementation Method 2
At least one tab extends at the lower end along the back wall. The tab slidingly engages the slot to secure the flexible member to the tailgate
Implementation Method 3
The stiffener is removably attached to the flexible member at the upper end
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle bed extender for increasing cargo capacity of a storage area is presented. The vehicle bed extender includes a flexible member, a bracket, and at least one stiffener. The flexible member defines a back wall disposed between a pair of extension walls. The back wall and the extension walls have an upper end and a lower end. Each extension wall is separately and removably attachable to a side wall of a vehicle. The bracket is secured to a top end of a tailgate at two or more mount points. The bracket and the tailgate define a slot between each adjacent pair of mount points. At least one tab extends at the lower end along the back wall. The tab slidingly engages the slot to secure the flexible member to the tailgate. The stiffener is removably attached to the flexible member at the upper end.