Truck Bed Extension Assembly Using Nested Folding Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional pickup truck beds have limited cargo capacity, and existing solutions to increase volume often compromise on space or aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A truck bed extension assembly using hinges, panels, hooks, latches, release mechanisms, and pins that allows the tailgate to unfold and extend, increasing the truck bed's volume without altering the interior space or appearance of a traditional truck bed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the truck bed volume is increased using traditional extensions, then cargo capacity is improved, but the interior space and aesthetic appeal of the traditional truck bed are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetruck bed volumeVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The extension panels are nested within the confines of the traditional truck bed structure, allowing them to be stored compactly when not in use and deployed when needed, thus increasing volume without permanently altering the bed's external shape or aesthetic appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The extension assembly uses movable panels connected by hinges that can be dynamically deployed and retracted, transforming the truck bed from a static structure to one that adapts its volume based on cargo needs while maintaining its original aesthetic form when collapsed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the truck bed volume is increased using traditional extensions, then cargo capacity is improved, but the interior space of the un-extended truck bed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetruck bed volumeVSAvoidinterior space

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The extension assembly is divided into multiple separate panels that can be independently folded and positioned, allowing them to be completely collapsed into a compact configuration that occupies minimal space within the traditional truck bed when not in use

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension panels utilize vertical space and fold along multiple axes, transitioning from a two-dimensional flat configuration to a three-dimensional extended structure, thereby increasing volume without encroaching on the horizontal interior space of the un-extended bed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Shape

If a low profile folding assembly is used to increase volume, then aesthetic appeal is maintained, but the mechanism complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidfolding mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The folding mechanism is integrated with and combined to the existing tailgate structure, utilizing the tailgate's inherent movement and mounting points, thereby reducing the need for separate complex mechanisms while maintaining the low-profile aesthetic when collapsed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10710646B2Truck bed extension assembly

Publication Date: 2020.07.14 REYNA JOSHUA

AI summary

A tailgate assembly capable of extending the volume of a truck bed having a first panel with a first end and a second end, with the first end rotatably connected to a truck bed, a second panel with a first end, a second end, and at least one side end, with the first end of the second panel rotatably connected to the second end of the first panel, and at least one folding panel rotatable connected to a side end of the second panel.