Collapsible Pickup Bed Rail Rack for Multi-Pole Transport
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting fishing poles and related equipment are inefficient, as they require modification of vehicles, are not versatile, and cannot accommodate multiple poles, leading to potential damage and inconvenience during trips.
Innovation Solution
A foldable device with a collapsible frame for installation in vehicle beds, featuring elongated rails, folding elements, and equipment mounting elements, allowing secure storage and transportation of multiple fishing poles without modifying the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clips are installed in the vehicle to hold fishing poles, then fishing poles can be securely transported, but the vehicle is modified and versatility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a foldable frame structure with movable joints that allows the rail system to be collapsed into a compact configuration for storage in the vehicle, and deployed to an extended configuration when fishing poles need to be transported. This dynamic transformation enables the system to adapt between occupying minimal space and providing full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable frame segments nest within each other when collapsed, with the second rail segment containing or adjacent to the first rail segment, and support elements folding inward. This nesting allows the entire device to be stored in a compact form factor within the vehicle without permanent modification.
2Reliability
If a trailer is used to transport fishing poles, then poles can be transported, but the trailer is not deep enough to accommodate the poles
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of relying on vertical depth within the trailer, the device utilizes the horizontal length of the trailer by extending rails along the longitudinal axis. The fishing poles are positioned horizontally rather than vertically, effectively using the length dimension to accommodate the pole length that would not fit in the limited depth dimension.
3Ease of operation
If fishing poles are placed directly in the trailer or truck bed, then transportation is simple, but the poles will jostle around and may become damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system serves multiple functions: it provides structural support to prevent pole movement, offers mounting points for securing poles at multiple locations along their length, and creates a organized arrangement that prevents jostling. This multi-functional design maintains simplicity while ensuring protection.
4Quantity of substance
If clips are installed to hold multiple poles, then more poles can be transported, but installing a set of clips is not practical or sufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device divides the support structure into multiple independent rail segments and support elements distributed along the length of the device. Each segment can independently hold one or more poles, allowing the system to accommodate multiple poles (4-6 or more) through a modular arrangement rather than a single complex clip assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus for transportation of equipment, generally but not necessarily limited to sporting equipment. Generally, the apparatus described herein comprises a collapsible or foldable frame adapted for installation in the bed of a pickup truck or similar vehicle, where the apparatus can be unfolded to a “deployment configuration” in which elongated equipment may be securely attached to the apparatus for transportation. The apparatus generally comprises two opposing rails with bracing and equipment storage elements mounted in between, foldable at about a midpoint for easy of storage when not in use.