Pickup Truck Bed Two-Panel Support With Interlocking Indentations
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pick-up truck bed side support structures lack an efficient and secure method to create a two-tiered load surface, which can accommodate various load sizes and types, often resulting in shifting cargo during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A two-panel support structure for each side of the truck bed, featuring upper panels with indentations and lower panels with extensions that form a combination of recesses and protrusions, allowing for secure placement of a platform or support structure, creating a stable shelf from one side of the bed to the other.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing pick-up truck bed side support structures are used, then the structure is simple, but the cargo shifts during transportation and the two-tiered load surface is not secure
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments: upper panels with recesses and lower panels with protrusions. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while working together to create a stable two-tiered load surface that prevents cargo shifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower panel protrusions are designed to fit into the upper panel recesses, creating a nested configuration. This nesting mechanism secures the platform in place, preventing cargo shift while maintaining structural integrity without excessive complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a platform is placed on the bed floor without support structures, then the structure is simple, but the platform is unstable and cargo may shift
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure provides localized stability at critical points through the recess-protrusion interface. Rather than requiring a complete structural overhaul, the local engagement points secure the platform where it contacts the support structure, preventing shift while keeping the overall design simple.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing support structures are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to accommodate various load sizes and types is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure with its recess-protrusion design serves multiple functions: it creates a two-tiered load surface, accommodates various platform sizes, and prevents cargo shifting. This universal design allows the same structure to handle different load configurations without requiring additional components.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a two-panel support structure for each side of a bed of a pick-up truck. Each side includes an upper panel and a lower panel between the upper panel and the bed. The upper panel includes multiple indentations from a cab-side to a tailgate side of the bed. The lower panel includes a plurality of extensions that extend into one or more of the multiple indentations. The combination of each indentation and extension creates a pocket into which a platform, board, or other support structure, such as cross-brace, can be placed. The support structure can extend from one indentation on one side to a corresponding indentation on another side of the bed. The support structure creates support in conjunction with other support structures for a larger platform, such as a piece of plywood the size of the bed.