Pickup Truck Bed Storage With Segmented Compartments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current cargo management systems for pickup trucks lack effective compartmentalization and secure storage for larger items, as tool boxes have limited space and bed covers allow items to shift during transport.

Innovation Solution

A truck bed storage system featuring mounting rails with channel-shaped channels, a front cover supported by hinges, and a rear cover with six-bar hinges that engage the channels, creating a sealed cargo compartment with support struts and a composite polymer cargo compartment for enhanced security and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a tool box is mounted to the front of the truck bed, then items can be securely stored, but the storage space is limited and cannot accommodate larger items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure storageVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The truck bed is divided into multiple compartments by vertical partitions and horizontal dividers, creating separate storage zones that can accommodate items of varying sizes. This segmentation allows the system to securely store both small items in front compartments and larger items in rear compartments, resolving the contradiction between secure storage and storage volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If a bed cover is used to cover the entire bed area, then larger items can be covered, but items can move around the truck bed during transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoiditem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The bed cover system incorporates vertical partitions and horizontal dividers that segment the storage space into multiple compartments. These partitions physically restrict item movement within each compartment while maintaining adequate storage volume, thus resolving the contradiction between storage space and item stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bed cover uses flexible vinyl or polyethylene material that can be adjusted and tensioned to fit various cargo configurations. This flexible covering, combined with the partition system, provides both adequate coverage for larger items and prevention of item movement during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If mounting rails with channels are used, then the cover assembly can be securely attached, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting rails serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the covers, contain channels for securing the covers through tie-downs or clips, and offer attachment points for partitions and dividers. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby maintaining attachment security while minimizing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9889728B2Integrated pickup truck cargo management system

Publication Date: 2018.02.13 CARGO SOLUTIONS GRP

AI summary

A truck bed storage system includes a pair of mounting rails each having a channel, a front cover, and a rear cover. The front cover is supported by a pair of front cover hinges attached to the pair of mounting rails. The rear cover is supported by a pair of six-bar hinges attached to the pair of mounting rails. The pair of six-bar hinges each includes a pair of tabs that engage each of the channels.