Pickup Bed Sidegate for Ground-Level Front Bed Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Consumers face challenges in accessing the front area of a pickup truck bed without climbing into the bed or using steps, as the rear gate access is too far from the cab, making it difficult to reach or place items in the front area.
Innovation Solution
A door is integrated into the side of the pickup truck bed that opens outward, hinged to allow access while standing on the ground, providing security when closed, and featuring various hinge mechanisms for different operational positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rear gate access is used to reach items in the pickup bed, then items can be accessed from the rear, but items in the front area are difficult to reach because the access point is 5 to 8 feet away from the front cab area
Solution Approach 1:
The side wall of the pickup bed is segmented to include a door portion that can be opened independently from the rear gate. This segmentation creates a new access point specifically for the front bed area, eliminating the need to reach through the entire bed length from the rear gate.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing access only through the rear gate (one-dimensional access from back to front), a side door is introduced to provide access from the side dimension. This allows users to reach the front bed area from the side rather than having to extend their reach from the rear, effectively solving the distance problem by changing the access dimension.
2Ease of operation
If a door is added to the side of the pickup bed to improve access, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door is merged with the side wall structure of the pickup bed, meaning the door is not a separate attached component but is integrated into the existing side wall. This merging approach provides the functionality of a side door while minimizing additional structural complexity, as the door utilizes the existing side wall framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The side door structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides access to the front bed area, maintains the structural integrity of the side wall, and can be integrated with existing bed features. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the door opens outward from the side wall, then ground-level access is enabled, but security may be compromised when the door is open
Solution Approach 1:
A latch mechanism serves as an intermediary between the door and the bed interior, providing a secure connection when the door is closed. This intermediary component ensures that the door remains firmly sealed, maintaining security and preventing unauthorized access or cargo displacement when the door is in the closed position.
Data Source
AI summary
An access door for a vehicle including an open bed assembly including a front wall, two side walls and a rear wall. A door portion on one of the side walls of the liftgate opening on a substantially vertical hinged axis for providing side access to the truck bed.