Modular Sliding Truck Bed Platform for Deep Cargo Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Truck beds can be too deep, making it difficult to access objects near the cab, necessitating a sliding platform for easy access to contents stored in the truck bed.
Innovation Solution
A slidable platform with an upper and lower frame that moves between retracted and extended positions, allowing easy access to truck bed contents, and is modular for shipping and assembly, using aerospace aluminum, steel, and composite materials to keep weight under 150 pounds per parcel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the truck bed is made deeper to increase storage capacity, then the storage volume is improved, but the accessibility to objects near the cab deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the platform movable rather than fixed. The platform can slide along the longitudinal axis between a retracted position (within the truck bed footprint) and extended positions (protruding beyond the tailgate), allowing dynamic adjustment of accessibility while maintaining deep storage capacity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on whether storage volume or accessibility is the priority.
2Strength
If the platform is made heavier to increase structural strength, then the strength is improved, but the ease of assembly and shipping deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the platform into multiple manageable components including the upper frame, lower frame, panels, and fastening mechanisms. This modular construction allows the platform to be assembled from separate parts rather than requiring heavy welding or bolting of a single massive structure, thereby maintaining structural strength while improving ease of assembly and shipping.
3Ease of manufacture
If the platform is made modular to simplify shipping and assembly, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural strength may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-engineering the modular components with integrated fastening mechanisms and alignment features during the design and manufacturing phase. The upper and lower frames include built-in fastening systems that simplify assembly while maintaining structural integrity, eliminating the need for complex field assembly procedures that could compromise strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A slidable truck bed platform provides an upper frame and a separate lower frame that operatively associate so that the upper frame is slidable relative to the lower frame between a retracted position and one of a plurality of extended positions. The lower frame connects to the truck bed. The upper frame provides a supporting platform that supports objects. In the retracted position, the upper and lower frames are in a vertical, stacked arrangement so that both frames can be circumscribed by the sidewalls and a closed tailgate of the truck. With the tailgate down the upper frame, its supporting platform, and all the objects supported thereon can be selectively moved to one or many extended positions, enabling the user to reach objects carried on the supporting panels. The slidable truck bed platform is dimensioned and adapted to be easily shipped to a user via less-than-truckload shipping containers.