Universal Pickup Truck Bed Mount with Pivot Axis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting systems for pickup truck accessories are often difficult to install and remove, can shift during use, and may cause permanent damage to the vehicle, limiting versatility and resale value.
Innovation Solution
A universal mounting system with a main support member and cantilever member that includes a pivot axis, allowing accessories to be securely positioned and pivoted within the pickup truck bed without causing damage, using adjustable components to fit various truck dimensions and configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessories are permanently affixed in the pickup bed, then they are securely retained, but they consume substantial volume and are difficult to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: a bed rail mount that attaches to the truck bed and a cantilever arm that attaches to the accessory. This segmentation allows the accessory to be easily installed and removed while maintaining secure retention when mounted, resolving the contradiction between permanent security and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cantilever arm incorporates a pivot joint that allows the accessory to rotate between a horizontal transport position and a vertical storage position. This dynamic capability enables the accessory to be securely mounted when needed while allowing easy installation, removal, and repositioning, addressing both retention security and operational ease.
2Ease of operation
If accessories are loosely mounted in the pickup bed, then they are easy to position, but they have the potential to slide or move within the pickup bed during travel
Solution Approach 1:
The bed rail mount is pre-installed in the truck bed with mounting plates that engage with the bed rail structure. This preliminary action creates a stable, fixed foundation that prevents sliding during travel, while the separate cantilever arm maintains ease of positioning and installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot joint incorporates a spherical bearing that allows smooth rotation of the cantilever arm while maintaining a fixed connection point. This spherical mechanism provides stable retention during travel while enabling easy positioning and adjustment of the accessory.
3Reliability
If accessories are tethered to a mounting cleat, then they are retained, but the tethering is cumbersome and results in the accessory being mounted in a less than ideal position
Solution Approach 1:
The cantilever arm serves as an intermediary between the fixed bed rail mount and the accessory. This intermediary component provides a convenient mounting interface that achieves ideal positioning while maintaining secure retention, eliminating the need for cumbersome tethering.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system uses a universal clamp design on the cantilever arm that can accommodate various accessory types and sizes. This universal interface provides both secure retention and ideal positioning for different applications, replacing the limited and cumbersome cleat-tether system.
4Reliability
If mounting systems cause permanent damage to the pickup truck bed, then accessories are securely mounted, but the vehicle value is reduced and damage fees may be assessed
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plates and bed rail mount serve as intermediaries that distribute mounting forces across the bed rail structure without causing concentrated damage. This intermediary approach provides secure accessory mounting while preserving the truck bed condition, avoiding permanent damage and associated fees.
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
Enables easy installation and removal of accessories, maintains vehicle integrity, and provides secure, adjustable mounting for a variety of applications, enhancing usability and resale value.
Implementation Method 1
A swivel plate is connectable to the accessory and includes a mounting system pivotally engaging the mounting system of the cantilever member to define a pivotal connection along the pivot axis therebetween to permit the accessory to pivot about the pivot axis
Data Source
AI summary
A universal mounting system for mounting an accessory in a pickup truck bed. The system includes a main support member having an upper end and a lower end, wherein the upper end is engageable with the upper horizontal portion of the sidewall of the pickup truck bed and the lower end is engageable with the floor of the pickup truck bed. The main support member includes a transverse channel. The universal mounting system further includes a cantilever member extending through at least a portion of the transverse channel of the main support member. The cantilever member has a mounting system defining a pivot axis. A swivel plate is connectable to the accessory and includes a mounting system pivotally engaging the mounting system of the cantilever member to define a pivotal connection along the pivot axis therebetween to permit the accessory to pivot about the pivot axis.