Tailgate Bed Extender and Divider With Fold-Flat Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing standalone bed dividers and extenders for vehicles are bulky, serve single purposes, and lack a compact storage solution, necessitating frequent installation and removal, which is inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate device with moveable panels and accessory rails that can be configured as a bed extender, rear divider, or front divider, allowing for compact storage when not in use by folding against the tailgate, and utilizing vehicle accessory rails for attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If standalone bed dividers and extenders are used, then the vehicle bed can be reconfigured for different tasks, but the devices are bulky and occupy space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The bed reconfiguration system is divided into separate modular components including a bed divider and a bed extender, each capable of independent installation and removal. This segmentation allows users to install only the specific component needed for a particular task, reducing the volume occupied when components are not in use while maintaining full reconfiguration versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The bed divider and extender are designed as movable and reconfigurable elements that can be easily installed and removed from the vehicle bed. The dynamic nature of these components allows them to be deployed only when needed for specific tasks, minimizing their occupied volume during non-use periods while preserving complete adaptability for different bed configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standalone bed dividers and extenders are used, then the vehicle bed can be reconfigured, but frequent installation and removal is required which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The bed divider and extender components are pre-configured with standardized mounting interfaces and attachment mechanisms that align with common vehicle bed accessory rails. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces enables rapid installation and removal without complex assembly steps, making frequent reconfiguration convenient while maintaining full adaptability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If standalone bed dividers and extenders are used, then the vehicle bed can be reconfigured, but the devices interfere with other tasks when not removed
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the reconfiguration system into separate, removable components (bed divider and bed extender), the system allows users to install only the specific component needed for a particular task. When not in use, these components can be completely removed from the vehicle bed, eliminating any interference with other tasks while preserving full reconfiguration capability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for reconfiguring and/or extending a bed of a vehicle. A device may include a base panel coupled to a tailgate of the vehicle. The device may include a top panel moveably attached to the base panel. The device may include a plurality of side wings moveably coupled to the top panel. The plurality of side wings may removably attach to accessory rails of the vehicle to place the device in one or more configurations including a bed extender configuration, a rear bed divider configuration, and/or a front bed divider configuration. The device may include one or more sensors, one or more taillights, one or more puddle lights, one or more bed lights, and/or one or more cameras. The device may have a stowed position wherein the device may fold against the tailgate when the device is not in a configuration of the one or more configurations.