Modular Cargo Bed Power Storage for Removable Off-Grid Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for modular power sources that can be stored in a truck bed or trailer and are easily transportable to provide power to vehicles and remote devices.

Innovation Solution

The system includes a vehicle or trailer with a detachable cargo bed or enclosure that integrates a modular power source, allowing it to be easily removed and transported to power remote devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the power source is integrated with the cargo bed, then the power source is securely stored and protected, but the power source becomes difficult to remove and transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure storageVSAvoidremovability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo bed is divided into a fixed portion and a removable portion. The power source is integrated with the removable portion, allowing it to be securely stored when attached while enabling easy removal and transport when detached. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing both secure integration and ease of removal through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the cargo bed is made removable from the vehicle, then the power source becomes easily transportable, but the vehicle structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovetransportabilityVSAvoidvehicle structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vehicle system is segmented into a fixed vehicle body and a removable cargo bed assembly. The cargo bed includes a fixed portion attached to the vehicle and a removable portion that can be detached with the power source. This segmentation enables easy transportability of the power source while minimizing vehicle structure complexity by keeping the removal mechanism simple and modular.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If the power source is integrated with the floor, then the power source is stable and protected, but access to the power source becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The floor is segmented into a fixed floor portion and a removable floor portion. The power source is integrated with the removable floor portion, providing stability when attached while enabling easy access by simply removing the floor portion. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between stability and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The removable floor portion containing the power source can be extracted from the cargo bed as a complete unit. This extraction mechanism provides both stable storage when installed and easy access when removed, eliminating the need to disassemble or search for the power source within the fixed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12227242B2Modular vehicle power source storage

Publication Date: 2025.02.18 TOYOTA MOTOR ENG & MFG NORTH AMERICA INC

AI summary

Vehicles and systems for modular power source storage. A vehicle may include a power source detachable from the vehicle. The power source may supply power to the vehicle and a remote device. The vehicle may further include a cargo bed that stores the power source. The cargo bed or a portion of the cargo bed may be removable from rest of the vehicle along with the power source.