Pivoting Cargo Bed Extender for Utility Vehicle Bed Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility vehicles with cargo bed extenders increase the overall vehicle length, which can be cumbersome and lead to dirt accumulation and hindered cargo loading.
Innovation Solution
A cargo bed extender in the utility vehicle that switches between extending and non-extending orientations by swinging upward and downward about a pivot axis, allowing the rear occupant space to be utilized for expansion without increasing the vehicle's length, with the extender's side frames positioned outward to avoid hindering cargo loading and using the extender's bottom plate to cover the front opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of stationary object
If the cargo bed extender protrudes rearward from the cargo bed to increase cargo capacity, then the cargo bed capacity is improved, but the overall length of the vehicle is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo bed extender is made movable between a horizontal extended position (increasing cargo capacity) and a vertical retracted position (reducing to original vehicle length). This dimensional transformation allows the extender to switch between expanding cargo space and maintaining compact vehicle profile, resolving the contradiction between cargo capacity and overall length.
2Length of stationary object
If the cargo bed extender is folded below the body to achieve non-extending orientation, then the vehicle length is reduced, but switching orientation becomes cumbersome and dirt accumulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo bed extender employs a dynamic hinge mechanism that enables easy angular movement between horizontal and vertical orientations. This dynamic design replaces cumbersome folding operations with simple rotational motion, improving ease of operation while maintaining the ability to reduce vehicle length when retracted.
3Length of stationary object
If the cargo bed extender is folded below the body, then the vehicle length is reduced, but the extender becomes prone to dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo bed extender can dynamically switch between a horizontal position (where the surface remains clean and accessible) and a vertical retracted position (where it is less prone to dirt accumulation). This dynamic positioning capability allows the extender to be stored vertically when not in use, reducing exposure to dirt and debris while maintaining compact vehicle length.
Data Source
AI summary
A utility vehicle includes a body with an occupant part including a front occupant space for driving and a rear occupant space rearward of the front occupant space; a cargo bed rearward of the occupant part; and a cargo bed extender. The cargo bed extender is switchable between an extending orientation in which the cargo bed extender extends forward from the cargo bed and is in the rear occupant space, and a non-extending orientation in which the cargo bed extender is rearward of the rear occupant space and overlaps with a front portion of the cargo bed.