Pickup Bed Rack Height Adjustment for Low-Drag Cargo Carrying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional ladder racks on pickup truck beds are unsightly, obstructive, and inefficient, requiring manual installation and removal, affecting aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and access to low-clearance areas, and complicating the loading and unloading of lengthy items.
Innovation Solution
A height-adjustable storage rack for pickup truck beds that can be raised or lowered using linear actuators hidden beneath the truck bed, optimizing space and reducing wind resistance by retracting beneath the bed rails when not in use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed ladder rack is permanently attached to the pickup truck bed, then cargo transport capability is provided, but the rack becomes unsightly and obstructive when not in use, affecting aerodynamics and fuel efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder rack is designed to be dynamically adjustable in height, allowing it to be raised when cargo transport is needed and lowered to the level of the bed rails when not in use. This dynamic positioning reduces aerodynamic drag and improves fuel efficiency while maintaining cargo transport capability when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack's vertical position parameter is changed based on operational needs. By adjusting the rack between a raised position (for cargo transport) and a lowered position (aligned with bed rails), the system optimizes both cargo transport capability and aerodynamic performance, directly addressing the fuel efficiency concern.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed ladder rack is permanently attached to the pickup truck bed, then cargo transport capability is provided, but access to low-clearance areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable height mechanism allows the rack to be lowered to the level of the bed rails, enabling the truck to access low-clearance areas such as garages and parking structures without obstruction, while still providing cargo transport capability when the rack is raised.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed ladder rack is permanently attached to the pickup truck bed, then cargo transport capability is provided, but the rack is in the way and obstructive when not needed
Solution Approach 1:
The rack can be dynamically adjusted to a lowered position that aligns with the bed rails, effectively making it invisible and non-obstructive when cargo transport is not needed, while allowing full access to the truck bed for loading and unloading operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed ladder rack is permanently attached to the pickup truck bed, then cargo transport capability is provided, but items stored are at a height taller than the truck itself
Solution Approach 1:
The rack height parameter can be adjusted to optimize loading and unloading operations. By lowering the rack when not carrying long items, the system reduces the height of stored cargo, making loading and unloading easier and safer while maintaining the capability to transport long items when the rack is raised.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances the utility and safety of pickup trucks by providing space optimization, improved aerodynamics, increased fuel efficiency, and enhanced access to low-clearance areas while allowing easy cargo handling.
Implementation Method 1
a first linear actuator operably connected to a first post member and configured to raise and lower the rack framework along with the first post member between the lowered configuration and the raised configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A storage or transport rack apparatus for a pickup truck bed is adjustable between a deployed or raised configuration extending upwardly above the truck bed rails and a stowage or lowered configuration positioned at or below the level of the pickup truck bed rails. The storage or transport rack for a pickup truck bed may be raised or lowered using linear actuators hidden below the bottom wall of the truck bed.