Side Wall Mount Rack for Pickup Trucks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pickup truck racks are often custom-built, limiting bed usage, requiring significant installation time, potentially damaging the truck bed, and are expensive, while also restricting the use of bed covers and being inflexible for different truck designs and cargo types.

Innovation Solution

A modular rack system featuring a horizontal rail with adjustable vertical support rails and carrying rails that can be easily mounted and removed, accommodating various truck designs and cargo types, with the ability to adjust positions and use commercially available carriers without obstructing the truck bed or requiring permanent modifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a custom-built rack is installed over the entire truck bed, then the ability to carry long objects is improved, but the bed usability is restricted and bed cover usage becomes impossible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to carry long objectsVSAvoidbed usability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system is divided into separate modular components: side-mounted racks attach to the truck bed sides rather than spanning the entire bed, allowing the central bed area to remain accessible for other cargo while still providing support for long objects

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack system transitions from a top-down bed coverage approach to a side-mounted configuration, utilizing the vertical and lateral dimensions of the truck bed to support cargo without obstructing the horizontal bed surface

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a permanent rack system is installed, then the rack stability is improved, but installation time increases and truck bed damage may occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverack stabilityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system employs removable and adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow for quick installation and removal without permanent modifications, enabling the rack to be dynamically deployed only when needed rather than permanently fixed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses intermediary mounting components such as clamps and brackets that attach to existing truck bed features (stake pockets, tie-down points) rather than requiring direct permanent attachment to the bed structure, reducing installation complexity and potential damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If a fixed rack configuration is used, then the structural integrity is improved, but adaptability to different truck designs and cargo types decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidadaptability to different truck designs

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system incorporates universal mounting features that can interface with various truck bed configurations (different stake pocket arrangements, tie-down point locations), allowing the same rack design to be adapted to multiple truck models and cargo types while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The rack allows for adjustable parameters including rail positions, support heights, and attachment points, enabling the same basic structure to be configured for different truck bed dimensions and cargo requirements while preserving structural strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If a comprehensive rack system is installed, then the cargo carrying capacity is improved, but the cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo carrying capacityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The rack system is composed of modular, standardized components that can be manufactured independently and assembled relatively simply, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost compared to custom-built integrated systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The rack system utilizes existing truck bed features (stake pockets, tie-down points, side rails) as mounting interfaces, eliminating the need for expensive custom fabrication and installation while still providing comprehensive cargo carrying capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9493123B2Open side wall mount rack

Publication Date: 2016.11.15 MARQUETTE MOUNTS

AI summary

The present teaching are related to an article and method comprising: a.) a horizontal rail capable of bearing loads; b.) affixed to the horizontal rail are two or more vertical support rails wherein the distance between the vertical support rails may be varied; c.) affixed to the horizontal rail are two or more carrying rails wherein the carrying rails are capable of carrying a load wherein the carrying rails may be moved to multiple positions; wherein the horizontal rail may be affixed to the vertical support rails and the carrying rails are affixed to the horizontal rail directly or through a clamping mechanism, and the vertical support rails are adapted to be affixed to a side wall of the bed of a pick-up truck. The system may be adapted with add-on accessories for carrying articles for transport.