UTV Cargo Bed Sidewall Storage Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) lack a dedicated storage location for removable cargo bed sidewalls and tailgates, leading to reduced cargo capacity, susceptibility to damage, and inefficient utilization when converted to a flatbed configuration.
Innovation Solution
A cargo bed design with dedicated onboard storage locations under the floor for the tailgate and sidewalls, allowing them to remain mechanically connected and pivot or slide into storage positions, eliminating the need for external storage and reducing the risk of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate and sidewalls are removed from the cargo bed to convert to a flatbed configuration, then the cargo bed can accommodate larger objects, but the removed components must be stored elsewhere which reduces overall vehicle efficiency and increases handling difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate and sidewalls are designed to nest within the cargo bed structure itself. The tailgate folds flat against the cargo bed and the sidewalls are positioned to rest against the tailgate or cargo bed walls, creating a nested configuration where all components are stored within the existing vehicle footprint without requiring external storage locations.
2Quantity of substance
If the removed tailgate and sidewalls are temporarily arranged in the cargo bed, then storage space is utilized, but the cargo bed capacity is reduced and the components are susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates predetermined positioning features including recesses in the cargo bed, protrusions on the tailgate, and alignment guides on the sidewalls. These features are pre-configured to automatically guide and secure the components in their correct stored positions, ensuring they are properly protected before the vehicle is put into service.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediary structural elements such as the cargo bed floor, walls, and integrated locking mechanisms that act as mediators between the removable components and the vehicle frame. These intermediaries provide stable support and protection for the tailgate and sidewalls during storage, preventing direct contact that could cause damage.
3Reliability
If a dedicated storage location for tailgate and sidewalls is provided elsewhere on the vehicle, then components are protected from damage, but space is consumed and retrieval efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is merged with the existing cargo bed structure. The tailgate and sidewalls are stored within the cargo bed's own volume rather than requiring a separate dedicated storage compartment. This merging of storage and cargo functions eliminates the need for additional space while maintaining component protection through the cargo bed's enclosed structure.
4Strength
If the tailgate and sidewalls are made heavy and bulky for durability, then they can withstand rough usage, but they become physically difficult to remove and reposition
Solution Approach 1:
The design incorporates dynamic positioning mechanisms that allow the heavy components to be easily moved during installation and storage. The tailgate can pivot between vertical and horizontal positions, and the sidewalls can be tilted and positioned at different angles. These dynamic features reduce the physical effort required to handle the heavy components while maintaining their structural integrity and durability.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo bed for a utility terrain vehicle (UTV) having a floor, a tailgate, and a pair of sidewalls. The cargo bed is operable to convert from a walled configuration into a wall-stored configuration while at least one of the tailgate and the pair of sidewalls remain mechanically-connected to the floor.