Rotatable Cargo Bed Side Extender Panel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Users of vehicles with cargo beds face inconvenience when accessing items stored in the cargo bed due to limited positioning options and reach constraints, especially when working outside the bed.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable covering system for the cargo bed walls, comprising a first portion attached to the top and a second portion that can rotate between two orientations, providing a convenient storage or seating surface at a higher accessible height, which can be used by users either inside or next to the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If items are stored in the cargo bed, then storage capacity is improved, but accessibility and convenience deteriorate due to reach constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the cargo bed storage space vertically by adding extender structures to the side walls and tailgate. This creates additional storage surfaces at elevated positions, allowing users to store and access items in a vertical dimension rather than only at ground level, thereby improving accessibility while maintaining storage capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate storage surfaces (extender panels) that serve as mediators between the ground level and the main cargo bed. These extenders provide accessible intermediate storage positions, reducing the need for users to reach deep into the cargo bed while still utilizing the available storage space effectively.
2Ease of operation
If the vehicle is positioned for optimal user access, then ease of operation is improved, but storage accessibility deteriorates due to limited positioning options
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs rotatable extender panels that can dynamically adjust between multiple orientations. The extenders can rotate to face different directions, allowing the storage surfaces to adapt to various vehicle positions and user approaches, thereby maintaining accessibility regardless of vehicle orientation or positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender structures are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide storage surfaces, seating surfaces, and can be positioned to accommodate different user approaches. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to various operational scenarios without requiring specific vehicle positioning, enhancing both ease of operation and adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If a rotatable covering system is added to enhance accessibility, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cargo bed extension system into separate modular components: side wall extenders and tailgate extenders. Each extender is further segmented into a base portion and a rotatable panel portion. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that can be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the rotatable functionality for enhanced accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A covering for a wall of a vehicle cargo bed includes a first portion structured to be attached to a top portion of the wall, and a second portion rotatably connected to the first portion. The first portion has a first surface, and the second portion has a first surface. The second portion is rotatable between a first orientation in which the second portion first surface resides directly opposite the first portion first surface and faces in a first direction toward the first portion first surface, and a second orientation in which the second portion first surface faces in a second direction opposite the first direction. A shoulder extends from an edge of the second portion at an angle with respect to the second portion first surface.