Sliding Rear Wall Panel for Pickup Cargo Bed Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pickup trucks face challenges in accommodating cargo that extends beyond the cargo bed, as the tailgate cannot effectively extend the cargo area into the passenger compartment.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle cargo extending apparatus with a movable panel system that transitions between closed and open positions, allowing the cargo area to extend into the passenger compartment by moving beneath the floor, facilitated by tracks and electronic control for seamless operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the tailgate is lowered to extend cargo beyond the cargo bed, then cargo length capability is improved, but passenger compartment access and safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The movable panel system divides the passenger compartment wall into separate movable panels that can be independently opened to different degrees. This segmentation allows the cargo area to be extended into the passenger compartment in a controlled manner, enabling cargo longer than the cargo bed while maintaining access to the passenger compartment through alternative pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The panels are designed to be movable between closed, partially open, and fully open positions, transforming the static passenger compartment wall into a dynamic structure. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different cargo lengths and passenger access requirements, resolving the contradiction between cargo extension and passenger access.
2Volume of moving object
If the cargo area is extended into the passenger compartment, then cargo capacity is improved, but structural integrity and passenger safety are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The movable panels transition from a vertical wall configuration to a horizontal floor configuration when opened. This dimensional transformation allows the cargo area to extend into the passenger compartment volume without compromising the vertical structural integrity of the passenger compartment walls, maintaining safety while increasing cargo capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel system acts as a flexible boundary that can be reconfigured between closed and open states. When closed, it maintains structural integrity and passenger safety; when opened, it allows cargo extension. This flexible boundary solution resolves the contradiction between cargo capacity and structural reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a movable panel system is implemented to extend cargo area, then cargo flexibility is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The panel system is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring complex motorized mechanisms. The panels can be opened and closed by hand, and their position can be maintained by friction or simple latching mechanisms. This self-service approach provides high cargo flexibility while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable panel system serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural wall when closed for passenger safety, and as an extendable cargo barrier when opened for cargo flexibility. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized mechanisms, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle body structure includes a vehicle cargo extending apparatus having at least one movable panel. The vehicle body structure has a passenger compartment and a cargo area. A rear wall of the passenger compartment defines an opening adjacent to the cargo area. The at least one panel is movable between a closed position covering the opening and an open position exposing the opening such that the at least one panel is located beneath a floor of the cargo area when in the open position.