Inflatable Pickup Bed Sides for Adaptive Cargo Containment

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional pickup truck bed designs lack flexibility and efficient use of space, as they often require manual adjustments and do not adapt well to varying cargo shapes and sizes.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable bed side and end gate system utilizing inflatable panels supported by rails, with pneumatic hinges and electromagnetic retention systems, allowing for easy deployment and retraction, and conforming to cargo shapes through inflation and deflation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional rigid bed sides and end gates are used, then structural strength is maintained, but adaptability to different cargo shapes and sizes is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to cargo shapesVSAvoidfixed shape

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bed sides and end gate are transformed from fixed rigid structures to dynamic inflatable panels that can change shape and size. The panels can be inflated to different dimensions and deflated to conform to various cargo configurations, enabling continuous adaptation rather than discrete adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the bed sides and end gate (length, height, shape) are changed by controlling the inflation pressure and volume of the panels. By adjusting these parameters, the structure adapts to different cargo shapes and sizes without requiring manual disassembly or reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustments are required for traditional bed sides, then structural stability is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of deploymentVSAvoidmanual adjustment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Manual mechanical adjustment mechanisms are replaced with an automated pneumatic system. The inflatable panels are deployed and positioned automatically through controlled air inflation, eliminating the need for manual assembly, latching, or positioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The bed sides and end gate perform self-adjustment through automated inflation control. The system monitors and regulates the inflation process to achieve the desired configuration without human intervention, making the structure self-configuring based on cargo requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If fixed bed sides and end gates are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but cargo space utilization efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo space utilizationVSAvoidfixed configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

Rigid fixed panels are replaced with flexible inflatable membranes that can be expanded and contracted. These flexible panels conform to the contours of the cargo and optimize the use of available space, eliminating wasted gaps that occur with fixed rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Ease of repair

If traditional rigid panels are used, then structural strength is maintained, but ease of repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of replacementVSAvoidstructural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The bed sides and end gate are divided into separate inflatable panel modules rather than a single rigid structure. This segmentation allows individual panels to be independently replaced or repaired without affecting the entire structure, simplifying maintenance while maintaining overall structural integrity through the modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables efficient use of cargo space by allowing panels to adapt to different cargo shapes, simplifying loading and unloading, and providing easy access through automated control systems.

Implementation Method 1

The pair of end gate rails are connected to the pair of bed side rails by a pneumatic hinge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

An electromagnetic element associated with the magnetic element can be energized to release the inflatable bedside panels from the magnetic element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS11390331B2Reconfigurable pickup bed sides and endgate

Publication Date: 2022.07.19 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A pick-up truck cargo area includes a cargo floor having a forward end, a rearward end and a pair of side edges extending between the forward end and the rearward end. A pair of inflatable bedside panels extend along the pair of side edges. A pair of bed side rails extend above the cargo floor and support the pair of inflatable bedside panels.