Collapsible Tailgate Storage Container for Flat Truck Bed Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The presence of large and heavy on-board batteries in electrically powered trucks reduces the effective cargo-carrying capacity of the truck bed by creating a stepped layout, making it difficult to transport certain cargo and impacting the usability of the truck.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible tailgate-mounted storage container that can be stowed in the tailgate when not in use and deployed to match the height of the truck bed ledge, providing a flat loading/hauling surface and including an attachment assembly to secure it in place, with the option to be placed in the truck bed for a continuous flat surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If on-board batteries are installed in electrically powered trucks, then electrical energy storage capacity is improved, but cargo-carrying capacity is reduced due to stepped layout
Solution Approach 1:
The container is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between collapsed and deployed states. When deployed, it fills the stepped area created by the battery installation, creating a flat loading surface. When collapsed, it stores within the tailgate, maximizing cargo space. This dynamic transformation allows the system to adapt to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The container utilizes the vertical dimension by deploying upward from the stepped area to create a flat surface at battery level. This dimensional approach transforms the problematic stepped layout into a useful storage volume, effectively using the space that would otherwise reduce cargo capacity.
2Quantity of substance
If a fixed storage container is installed in the tailgate, then storage capacity is improved, but flexibility in cargo loading is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable structure. It can be collapsed into the tailgate when not needed and deployed when storage is required, providing both storage capacity and flexibility. The attachment assembly allows easy deployment and removal, further enhancing operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is divided into collapsible side walls that can be folded together. This segmentation allows the container to compress into a compact form within the tailgate while maintaining full storage capacity when deployed, resolving the contradiction between having permanent storage and maintaining flexibility.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the container is deployed to provide flat surface, then cargo stability is improved, but tailgate storage space is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The container's side walls are designed to collapse together, allowing the container to occupy minimal space within the tailgate when not in use. When deployment is needed for cargo stability, the walls expand upward to create the flat loading surface, providing stability only when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat surface is created locally at the battery area where it is most needed for cargo stability, rather than requiring the entire tailgate to be converted into permanent storage. This localized approach maintains tailgate storage space while providing stability where the stepped layout creates problems.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems described herein relate to a stowable collapsible container for a truck bed. In one embodiment, a storage system includes a collapsible container having a footprint sized to fit within a tailgate of a truck. The collapsible container, in a collapsed state, is stowed in the tailgate with a lid of the collapsible container being flush with a bedside surface of the tailgate. In a deployed state, the lid aligns with a raised ledge in the truck bed. The storage system includes an attachment assembly. The attachment assembly mates with a tailgate attachment structure of the truck to secure the collapsible container to the tailgate when positioned thereon.