Collapsible Truck Bed Storage Apparatus with Tailgate Slide Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing truck bed tool boxes are permanently installed, reducing the available storage capacity and utility of the truck bed, as they occupy space and cannot be easily removed or converted for different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with a collapsible configuration that can slide from the tailgate to the truck bed, featuring a frame attached to the tailgate and a slide member connecting the frame to a container, allowing it to transform between collapsed and expanded states without permanently altering the truck bed dimensions, enabling secure storage and access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a permanent tool box is installed in the truck bed, then security and durability are improved, but the available storage capacity and utility of the truck bed are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is designed to be movable between a deployed storage position and a retracted position, transforming from a static permanent installation to a dynamic adjustable system. The container can be slid along the tailgate and stored in the truck bed, allowing the storage capacity to vary based on user needs while maintaining security when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage system is divided into separate functional components: a movable container, a frame structure attached to the tailgate, and a slide mechanism. This segmentation allows the container to be independently positioned and removed, providing flexibility in storage capacity while maintaining the security function when needed.
2Reliability
If a permanent tool box is installed in the truck bed, then theft prevention is improved, but the full dimensions of the truck bed are no longer available for use
Solution Approach 1:
The container transitions from a fixed permanent installation to a dynamic movable unit that can be repositioned along the tailgate or stored in the truck bed. When not in use, the container occupies minimal space within the bed dimensions, preserving the full truck bed area for other purposes while maintaining theft prevention capability when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container serves multiple functions: it provides secure storage when deployed against the tailgate, can be moved to different positions along the tailgate, and can be stored within the truck bed when not needed. This multi-functionality allows the system to adapt to different usage scenarios while preserving truck bed area.
3Area of stationary object
If a collapsible storage container is used, then the full dimensions of the truck bed are restored, but the container must be moved and configured between collapsed and expanded states
Solution Approach 1:
The container incorporates a slide mechanism that enables smooth transition between collapsed and expanded states. The dynamic design allows the container to be easily moved along the tailgate or stored in the bed, reducing the operational effort required compared to rigid fixed installations while preserving full truck bed area when collapsed.
Solution Approach 2:
The slide mechanism acts as an intermediary between the container and the tailgate, facilitating easy movement and configuration. This intermediary component reduces the direct friction and complexity of moving the container between states, improving ease of operation while maintaining the ability to restore full truck bed dimensions.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage apparatus is installed in a vehicle with a flat bed and a tailgate and transforms back and forth between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. The storage apparatus includes a container having a bottom panel, side walls, a lateral panel, and a top panel, a frame having a base board, side boards, support posts, slide rails, and bridge planks, and a slide member. The slide member connects the bottom panel of the container to the frame. The frame is fixed to the tailgate of the vehicle. In the collapsed configuration, the container sets on the tailgate or on the flat bed with the tailgate opened or closed. In the expanded configuration, the container cannot set on the tailgate with the tailgate closed, but the container can set on the tailgate with the tailgate opened. Opening the tailgate allows access to the storage space.