Pickup Bed Accessory Frame for Drill-Less Multi-Accessory Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle pickup beds face challenges with retrofitting multiple accessories, as current methods often require drilling or welding, are not easily removable, and can damage the vehicle, leading to installation inconveniences and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
An accessory system with a frame that connects to the pickup bed using clamps, allowing for drill-less installation and removal, and can accommodate multiple accessories simultaneously without modifying the vehicle structure, using extruded aluminum frame members and slots for secure fastening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are installed using drilling or welding, then the installation is secure and stable, but the vehicle structure is damaged and the installation becomes permanent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a frame structure as an intermediary component between the vehicle and the accessories. This frame can be clamped to the vehicle bed rails without drilling or welding, and the accessories are then mounted to the frame. This mediator allows secure accessory installation while preserving the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into separate modular components: the frame structure, the accessories (toolboxes, racks, canopies), and the clamping mechanism. This segmentation allows the frame to be installed independently using clamps, and accessories to be mounted to the frame without affecting the vehicle body, thus avoiding structural damage while maintaining installation stability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple accessories are installed simultaneously, then the versatility and functionality are enhanced, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is designed as a universal mounting platform with standardized attachment points and interfaces. This allows multiple different accessories (toolboxes, racks, canopies, ladder racks) to be mounted to the same frame using consistent methods, simplifying the installation process despite the variety of accessories.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is pre-assembled and prepared with all necessary mounting hardware and attachment points before installation. This preliminary preparation allows accessories to be quickly mounted to the pre-configured frame without complex on-site assembly, reducing installation complexity while enabling multiple accessory configurations.
3Stability of the object's composition
If accessories are permanently installed, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the removability and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping mechanism uses adjustable and removable clamps that can be easily installed and removed from the vehicle bed rails. This dynamic installation method allows the frame and accessories to be temporarily mounted when needed and removed when not required, maintaining structural integrity while providing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for the easy removal and recovery of accessories from the vehicle. The clamps can be detached from the bed rails, and accessories can be removed from the frame without causing damage to the vehicle structure, enabling the accessories to be stored or reused on another vehicle.
4Reliability
If drilling holes are made for installing ladder racks on canopy, then the ladder racks are securely fastened, but holes are created that require repair
Solution Approach 1:
The frame serves as an intermediary mounting structure that eliminates the need to drill into the canopy. Ladder racks and other accessories are mounted to the frame using clamps and fasteners that attach to the frame's external surfaces, not requiring penetration of the canopy structure, thus avoiding repair requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is extracted from the canopy itself and transferred to the separate frame structure. This extraction allows the canopy to remain intact without holes or modifications, while the frame provides the necessary mounting points for ladder racks and other accessories through non-invasive clamping methods.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory system for a vehicle having a pickup bed, including a frame configured for selectively connecting to a rear portion of the vehicle, the frame being connected to and extending over the pickup bed when the frame is installed on the vehicle. The frame is arranged and configured to selectively receive a plurality of cooperating accessories, each accessory of the plurality of cooperating accessories being configured to connect to the frame individually and simultaneously with other accessories of the plurality of cooperating accessories. A toolbox for an accessory system including a toolbox body defining a cavity and shaped and arranged to be received in an accessory system frame; and a toolbox door including: a latch defined in a bottom side of the toolbox door, and a handle for selectively opening the latch, the handle being disposed on the bottom side of the toolbox door.