Pivoting A-Arm Container Mounting for Secure Truck Bed Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mounting systems for containers or trunks on vehicle beds lack user-friendliness, durability, and the ability to securely mount and easily remove containers while withstanding multiple mounting and removal sequences, and are not adaptable to various types of vehicle beds.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system comprising a pair of arms that pivotally connect to the vehicle's sidewalls and attach to containers via brackets, allowing adjustable length and secure locking mechanisms, including a cotter pin and padlock system, to stabilize containers during transport and facilitate easy installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional mounting systems are used to secure containers to vehicle beds, then the containers can be mounted and removed, but the systems lack durability to withstand multiple mounting and removal sequences and do not provide user-friendly operation

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system employs arms with adjustable lengths that can pivot and adapt to different positions, allowing the system to dynamically adjust during mounting and removal operations. This dynamic capability enables the system to withstand multiple sequences while maintaining ease of operation, as the arms can be reconfigured for each use cycle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The arms feature adjustable length parameters that can be modified to suit different container sizes and vehicle bed configurations. This parameter adjustability enhances both durability by optimizing the mounting geometry for each situation and user-friendliness by allowing quick adaptation without complex adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If conventional mounting systems are used, then containers can be attached to vehicle beds, but the systems do not securely inhibit movement and theft during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontainer stabilityVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: arms for positioning, brackets for attachment, and locking mechanisms for security. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, providing stable container inhibition through the coordinated action of multiple specialized elements rather than a single complex device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arms can pivot and adjust to different angles and positions, enabling the system to dynamically adapt to various container weights and sizes. This dynamic adjustment capability ensures secure container stability during transport while keeping the overall system design relatively simple and modular.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional mounting systems are used, then containers can be mounted on vehicle beds, but the systems lack adaptability to different vehicle types and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevehicle bed adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is designed with universal arms and brackets that can be configured to work with different vehicle bed types and container sizes. The adjustable arm lengths and pivot points allow the same basic system to adapt to various vehicle configurations, providing multi-functionality without requiring completely different systems for each vehicle type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes adjustable parameters including arm length, pivot positions, and bracket placements that can be modified to suit different vehicle bed geometries. This parameter adjustability enables the same mounting system design to be universally applied across different vehicle types while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If simple mounting mechanisms are used, then the system is easy to operate, but the locking mechanisms are insufficient to prevent theft and inhibit movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidtheft prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into multiple independent locking points along the arms, with each bracket having its own locking mechanism. This segmentation provides cumulative security through multiple locking actions while maintaining ease of operation, as each individual lock can be engaged or disengaged independently through simple user actions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The arms incorporate dynamic positioning capabilities with adjustable lengths and pivot points that can be quickly configured, followed by simple locking actions. This dynamic setup allows the system to transition rapidly from configuration to secured state, maintaining ease of operation while providing reliable theft prevention through the combination of adjustable positioning and multiple locking points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

The system provides a secure, durable, and user-friendly method to mount and remove containers from vehicle beds, inhibiting movement and theft, while being adaptable to different vehicle types and configurations.

Implementation Method 1

The mounting system comprises a pair of arms (12, 14) that are pivotally connected to a vehicle (100)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

A mounting system comprising a pair of arms that pivotally connect to the vehicle's sidewalls and attach to containers via brackets, allowing adjustable length and secure locking mechanisms

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 3

secure locking mechanisms, including a cotter pin and padlock system, to stabilize containers during transport and facilitate easy installation and removal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastener: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3851324B1Truck mounting system with two pivotal a-arms
Publication Date: 2023.11.01 PELICAN PRODUCTS INC
  • EP3851324B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3851324B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3851324B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A mounting system (10) for securing a container (16) to a bed (18) of a vehicle or other installation location includes a sidewall mounting bracket (22) for mounting to a first sidewall (18a) of the bed (18). An arm body (30) has a length dimension that is adjustable. A first joint pivotally attaches a first end of the arm body (30) to the sidewall mounting bracket (22) for pivotal movement relative to the first sidewall (18a) of the bed (18) when the sidewall mounting bracket (22) is mounted to the first sidewall (18a) of the bed (18). A second joint for attaching a second end of the arm body (30) to the container (16).