Removable Cargo Liner Using Hook and Loop Fasteners

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cargo liners for pickup trucks and vans are cumbersome to install and remove, prone to corrosion, and often require drilling into the vehicle surface, leading to potential damage and difficulty in restoring the vehicle to its original condition.

Innovation Solution

A removable cargo liner system comprising separable panels with a multi-layer assembly featuring hook and loop fasteners, where each panel can be individually attached and detached from the cargo area using a combination of double-sided and single-sided hook and loop members, eliminating the need for drilling and simplifying installation and removal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a one-piece conventional bed liner is used, then protection against scratches and rust is improved, but installation and removal labor increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against scratches and rustVSAvoidinstallation and removal labor

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The bed liner is divided into multiple separate panels (floor panel, side panels, front panel, rear panel) that can be independently installed and removed. Each panel is attached to the cargo box using hook and loop fasteners, allowing individual panels to be easily detached without removing the entire liner system, thus reducing installation and removal labor while maintaining protection coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a one-piece conventional bed liner is used, then protection coverage is improved, but storage difficulty increases when removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection coverageVSAvoidstorage when removed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The liner system is segmented into multiple separate panels that can be independently stored. When removal is needed, individual panels can be detached and stored separately in compact spaces, making storage much easier compared to storing a large one-piece liner as a single bulky item.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Strength

If fasteners requiring drilling are used to attach the liner, then attachment strength is improved, but corrosion risk at fastener locations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidcorrosion at fastener location

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical drilling and fastening system is replaced with a hook and loop fastener system that attaches to the cargo box surface without drilling. This substitution eliminates holes in the cargo box surface, preventing water and debris penetration that would cause corrosion at fastener locations, while still providing sufficient attachment strength through the distributed hook and loop bonding across multiple panels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If a heavy high-density plastic is used for the liner, then durability and protection are improved, but weight increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedurability and protectionVSAvoidliner weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The liner is segmented into multiple separate panels that can be individually handled and installed. This segmentation allows for the use of lighter materials in each panel while maintaining overall durability through the collective coverage of multiple panels. The reduced weight per panel makes installation and removal more manageable without requiring heavy-duty materials in each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 effective protection against scratches and corrosion while allowing for easy installation and removal, reducing labor and storage challenges, and minimizing damage to the vehicle surface.

Implementation Method 1

each of the plurality of panels has a multi-layer assembly having a lower layer defining one of a hook and a loop feature. The removable cargo liner further comprises a single-sided member connectable to the cargo area having one of a hook and a loop feature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHook and loop fastening mechanism: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS8136860B2Removable cargo liner

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 BEDRUG

AI summary

A removable cargo liner for use in a cargo area. The removable cargo liner comprises a plurality of separate and distinct panels, wherein each of the plurality of panels has a multi-layer assembly having a lower layer defining one of a hook and a loop feature. The removable cargo liner further comprises a single-sided member connectable to the cargo area having one of a hook and a loop feature, and an optional double-sided intermediate member having a first portion and an opposing second portion.