Pickup Cargo Box Divider Layout for Secure Flexible Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cargo box solutions for pickup trucks, such as caps and covers, impose height restrictions and lack security against unauthorized access, limiting flexibility and protection for items of various sizes.

Innovation Solution

A reconfigurable divider system for the cargo box, comprising a first and second member that can be selectively positioned to create fully enclosed, partially enclosed, or fully exposed configurations, using rails, channels, and guide pins for adjustable placement and a locking mechanism for security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a cap or cover is added to the cargo box to protect items, then security and protection are improved, but height restriction is imposed on stored items

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidheight restriction

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cargo box is segmented into multiple storage areas using adjustable dividers that can be positioned at different locations along the length of the cargo box, allowing items of various heights to be stored in different sections while maintaining security in enclosed areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The divider system employs movable and adjustable components that can be repositioned along rails and channels, allowing the enclosure configuration to be dynamically changed based on the size and type of items being stored, thus eliminating fixed height restrictions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a cap is added to the cargo box to create a secure area, then security is improved, but flexibility for storing items of various sizes is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesecurityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The divider system includes movable dividers that can be repositioned along the length of the cargo box using rails and guide pins, allowing the enclosure to be dynamically adjusted to accommodate items of various sizes while maintaining security when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The divider system serves multiple functions: it can create fully enclosed secure areas, partially enclosed areas for semi-secure storage, or be completely removed for open storage, making it universally adaptable to different storage needs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a reconfigurable divider system with multiple members and locking mechanisms is implemented, then security and flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveflexibilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The complex divider system is broken down into standardized, modular segments (dividers, rails, channels, lock members, guide pins) that can be independently positioned and assembled, making the overall complex system manageable through simple modular components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12065105B2Reconfigurable divider system for a pickup truck cargo box

Publication Date: 2024.08.20 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A cargo box for a pickup truck having a divider system includes a first member selectively supported in the cargo box, and a second member selectively supported in the cargo box adjacent the first member. The first and second members are configured to establish one of a first configuration in which the cargo box is fully enclosed and a second configuration in which the cargo box includes a first portion that is fully exposed and a second portion that is fully enclosed.