Truck Bed Storage Deck with Composite Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle storage systems do not fully utilize truck bed space, create gaps that lead to material loss and loading difficulties, and may not support heavy loads without compromising vehicle performance.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle storage system with a deck spanning the truck bed width, supported by corner feet and a center support, featuring interchangeable deck halves, reinforcement beams, and drain provisions, designed to securely attach to various truck beds without modifying them, and including slidable drawer assemblies with locking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a box frame or cabinet structure is used for storage, then storage capacity is improved, but the system cannot support heavy loads without adversely affecting vehicle performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional heavy materials (metal box frames) to composite materials (fiberglass reinforced plastic), achieving a 50-75% weight reduction while maintaining storage capacity and structural integrity for heavy loads
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system uses composite materials specifically fiberglass reinforced plastic (FRP) to construct the box frame and cabinet structure, providing high strength-to-weight ratio that enables heavy load support without compromising vehicle performance
2Ease of manufacture
If the storage system does not extend full width of truck bed, then installation is simplified, but storage space utilization is reduced and gaps create material loss
Solution Approach 1:
The storage system is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow it to extend full width of the truck bed while maintaining ease of installation through standardized mounting features that adapt to different truck bed configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the storage structure into modular components including side walls, end walls, and mounting brackets that can be independently positioned to maximize space utilization while simplifying installation through standardized connection points
3Ease of operation
If drawers are included in storage system, then organization is improved, but heavy loads adversely affect drawer operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the structural parameter of the cabinet and drawer assembly using composite materials with high strength-to-weight ratio, enabling the drawer system to support heavy loads while maintaining smooth operation and organization capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle storage system may include a deck configured to span substantially a total width of a vehicle bed, four support feet including two front support feet and two rear support feet, a center support extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle bed between the support feet and configured to support the deck, and a front vertical transverse support configured to secure the two front support feet and to support the deck. Alternatively, the vehicle storage system may be configured to span approximately half a total width of a vehicle bed, and include two support feet situated in corners on a same lateral side of the vehicle bed, a center support extending in a longitudinal direction of the vehicle bed between the support feet and an opposing side of the vehicle bed not spanned by the deck, and a front vertical transverse support.