Raisable Truck Bed Platform for Protected Two-Level Cargo Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current truck bed accessories, such as Tonneau covers and racks, do not effectively increase load capacity or provide efficient payload organization and storage solutions, nor do they offer protection for valuable contents.
Innovation Solution
A powered truck bed system with a raisable weight-bearing platform that can be raised and lowered using powered actuators, allowing for additional storage and protection of contents, and enabling the use of the space between the platform and truck bed floor for carrying tools and materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a Tonneau cover is installed to protect contents from rain and elements, then protection capability is improved, but load capacity and payload organization are not increased
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides protection for contents when raised (acting like a Tonneau cover), creates additional storage space when partially raised, and serves as a weight-bearing surface for organizing payload. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making a single structure serve both protection and load capacity purposes.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform is made movable between different positions (lowered, partially raised, fully raised) using actuators. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different needs: when protection is needed, the platform raises; when load capacity is needed, the platform can be positioned to create additional storage space, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and load capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a truck bed rack is installed to improve payload organization, then payload organization is improved, but the rack cannot be easily retracted or stored
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is designed to be movable between lowered and raised positions through powered actuators. When payload organization is needed, the platform can be positioned at various heights to create compartments and organize cargo. When not needed, the platform can be fully lowered or retracted, resolving the contradiction between organizational capability and ease of storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform can be positioned within the truck bed structure, nesting the organizational function within the existing bed space. When lowered, the platform becomes part of the bed floor; when raised, it creates organizational levels. This nesting approach allows the system to provide organization when needed without permanently occupying space, thus resolving the retractability issue.
3Quantity of substance
If a raisable platform is installed to increase storage capacity and organization, then payload organization and storage capacity are improved, but device complexity increases due to powered actuators
Solution Approach 1:
The platform system provides multiple benefits from a single structure: increased storage capacity through vertical positioning, payload organization through adjustable height levels, and protection capability when raised. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple improvements simultaneously, resolving the contradiction between enhanced storage and increased device complexity.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the platform is raised to protect contents underneath, then protection capability is improved, but access to contents underneath becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The platform's movable design allows it to be raised for protection and lowered for access. When contents need protection from elements or theft, the platform raises to cover them. When access is needed, the platform can be lowered or removed, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility by making both states achievable through positional changes.
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 payload organization and storage capacity, allowing for the transportation of large items without displacing existing contents and providing secure storage when the tailgate is locked, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
each of the plurality of powered actuators has a motor; the motor of each of the plurality of powered actuators is connected to a power source through a bi-directional control device
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a truck bed system with a plurality of powered actuators which can raise a raisable platform above the truck bed floor to create a second platform in addition to the truck bed floor surface. The additional or second truck bed platform allows the truck user to use the upper platform for carrying tools and other goods or materials, with the space between the truck bed floor and platform for storing or moving large flat items like lumber and plywood or drywall sheets without displacing or disturbing the contents stowed on the upper platform. The present invention also allows the upper platform to be used for stowing large items like lumber and plywood or drywall sheets, with the space between the truck bed floor and upper platform for carrying tools and other goods or materials. The present invention allows the space between the truck bed floor and the upper platform, when in a raised position, to be used as secure storage when the tailgate is locked. The plurality of actuators can be attached to the truck bed floor, the truck bed walls or integrated into the space within the truck bed side walls.