Modular Vehicle Support Boards for Flat Sleeping and Protected Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The utility space in vehicles such as pickup trucks and SUVs is often inefficiently used for both storage and sleeping, as items stored above the floor can be crushed by items resting on top, and the space above a sleeping person cannot be used for storage due to the need to maintain a flat surface.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable modular support assembly comprising multiple planar support boards with features like radiused edges, angled surfaces, and openings for handholds, which can be configured to fit within the vehicle's utility area, forming a flat platform for sleeping while allowing storage below and above without crushing items, and can be extended or modified to accommodate different vehicle sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If items are stored in the utility space above the floor, then storage capacity is improved, but items can be crushed by weight of items resting on top
Solution Approach 1:
The utility space is segmented into multiple levels using support boards. The first support board creates a lower storage area and an upper sleeping area, distributing weight loads to specific structural points rather than concentrating them on stored items. This segmentation allows simultaneous storage and sleeping functions while protecting stored items from crushing.
2Ease of operation
If the utility space is used for sleeping with a flat surface, then sleeping comfort is improved, but storage space above the sleeping person is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support boards are positioned at angles relative to the vehicle floor, creating a three-dimensional utilization of space. The first support board extends from the rear wall toward the front, while the second support board creates a perpendicular surface. This angular arrangement provides a flat sleeping surface while leaving gaps and voids above and around the sleeping area that can be utilized for storage, thus resolving the contradiction between sleeping comfort and storage capacity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support assembly is made modular and adjustable, then adaptability to different vehicle configurations is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support assembly is divided into separate modular components including multiple support boards, support legs, and connecting elements. Each component can be independently positioned and adjusted. The support boards can be removed, repositioned, or reconfigured to adapt to different vehicle sizes and shapes, providing versatility without requiring a completely different assembly for each vehicle type.
Solution Approach 2:
The support boards are designed with universal features such as multiple positioning options, adjustable support legs, and standardized connecting mechanisms that can accommodate various vehicle configurations. The same basic components can serve multiple functions - providing structural support, creating sleeping surfaces, defining storage areas, and adapting to different vehicle geometries - thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable modular support assembly for a vehicle includes a first support board having a first substantially planar body including a first support face and a second support face. The first support board also includes first and second opposed side edges, first and second opposed end edges, and four corners. Each of the four corners are disposed between one side edge and one end edge. The first substantially planar body defines a lateral axis and a longitudinal axis. The adjustable modular support assembly also includes a second support board having a second substantially planar body including a first support face and a second support face. The second support board also has first and second opposed side edges, first and second opposed end edges, and four corners. At least one of the corners is adapted to receive a vehicle tailgate bulkhead and configured to be removably disposed in a truck bed.