Flexible Perforated Mat for Tailgate and Bed Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bed liner and tailgate protector devices for pickup trucks are not universally compatible and do not effectively protect the tailgate edge when transporting bicycles, leading to potential damage to both the truck and the bicycles during transit.
Innovation Solution
A flexible mat with multiple through holes, designed to fold over the top edge of the tailgate and cover the bed of the truck, providing protection to both the tailgate and the bed while allowing for the transportation of bicycles by straddling the tailgate, with optional features like drainage channels and non-slip surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a tailgate protector is used to protect the tailgate edge, then the tailgate is protected, but the device is not universally compatible with various truck bed sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The bed liner is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously serves as both a bed liner and a tailgate edge protector. The flexible material and extended second portion allow it to adapt to various truck bed sizes and configurations while providing consistent tailgate edge protection, making it universally compatible across different truck models.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a rigid protector is used to protect the tailgate edge, then the protection is effective, but the device cannot conform to different truck bed shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The bed liner is constructed from flexible material that can bend and conform to the contours of different truck beds and tailgate edges. This flexibility maintains effective protection by allowing the liner to adapt to various shapes and sizes while the extended second portion ensures adequate coverage of the tailgate edge regardless of the truck's geometry.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, system and method for protecting a tailgate of a pickup truck while also protecting a bed of the pickup truck includes a flexible mat having perforations to allow water and debris to pass therethrough and configured to slide along the bed of the pickup truck toward the tailgate such that a portion of the flexible mat extends upward and over a top edge of the tailgate, allowing bicycles to be carried upon the pickup truck while the bicycles extend over the top edge of the tailgate.