Sliding Truck Bed Extender Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current truck bed extenders either limit the extension to the height of the tailgate, obstructing the bed when not in use, or do not provide sufficient length increase, leading to inconvenience when carrying larger loads.
Innovation Solution
A slidable frame assembly that extends the truck bed length by mounting to the vehicle's cargo space, allowing for increased length without obstruction when not in use, featuring a base, sidewalls, and a rotatable tailgate that can be lowered to extend the bed length, with additional components like ladder racks, storage boxes, and lights for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a frame is rotatably mounted adjacent to the tailgate to extend bed length, then the effective bed length is increased, but the frame obstructs the truck bed when the tailgate is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly is made dynamically adjustable through sliding mechanisms that allow it to move between extended and retracted positions. The sidewalls can slide along rails mounted to the truck bed, enabling the frame to adapt its position based on whether cargo extension or bed accessibility is the priority
Solution Approach 2:
The frame assembly is divided into separable components including sidewalls, base, and gate that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the frame to be configured in different states - extended for cargo carrying or retracted for bed access - resolving the contradiction between these two operational requirements
2Adaptability or versatility
If a frame is rotatably mounted adjacent to the tailgate to extend bed length, then the bed extensibility is improved, but the extension is limited to the height of the tailgate
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly extends beyond the vertical dimension of the tailgate height by utilizing horizontal sliding movement along the length of the truck bed. The sidewalls slide along rails to position the frame's base beyond the tailgate's rear edge, achieving extension in the longitudinal dimension rather than being constrained to the vertical dimension
Solution Approach 2:
Slide rails act as intermediary elements that enable the frame assembly to extend beyond the tailgate height limitation. The rails provide a guided path for the sidewalls to slide along, mediating between the fixed tailgate structure and the movable frame assembly to achieve extended positioning
3Use of energy by moving object
If a smaller truck is selected to maintain maneuverability and gas efficiency, then fuel economy and handling are improved, but the cargo capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly provides dynamic cargo capacity adjustment, allowing the truck bed volume to expand when needed and contract when not needed. This enables smaller trucks to achieve larger cargo capacity on demand without the penalty of permanently larger dimensions that would affect fuel economy and handling
Solution Approach 2:
The cargo capacity parameter of the truck bed can be changed on demand by extending or retracting the frame assembly. When the frame is extended, the effective cargo volume increases; when retracted, the cargo volume returns to the original smaller truck bed capacity, allowing flexible adaptation to different cargo requirements
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 solution effectively increases cargo space without obstructing the bed when not in use, providing a practical and versatile solution for carrying larger loads while maintaining maneuverability and gas efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A low friction surface, such as polytetrafluoroethylene, other fluoropolymers, or the like, is located at the interface between the rails and slides
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicular cargo space extender includes a frame assembly adapted for slidable mounting to the vehicular cargo space. The frame assembly is slidable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the frame assembly extends effectively increases the length of the vehicular cargo space. In the retracted position, the frame assembly fits within the vehicular cargo space without obstructing the unextended length thereof.