Vehicle Bed Clamp Assembly for Universal Load Carrier Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current support assemblies for load carriers are incompatible with certain types of vehicle bed structures, such as new pickup trucks, limiting their compatibility, versatility, and universality.

Innovation Solution

A support assembly system that includes a clamp assembly with interchangeable jaw members and a tensioning device, designed to securely attach load carriers to a variety of vehicle bed structures, utilizing a combination of hook members and beveled surfaces to accommodate different bed structures and distribute force effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional support assembly is used, then it can securely attach to conventional vehicle bed structures, but it is incompatible with certain types of bed structures such as new pickup trucks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different vehicle bed structuresVSAvoidcomplexity of clamp assembly design

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly is divided into separable jaw members (first jaw member and second jaw member) that can be independently configured. The second jaw member includes interchangeable hook members that can be swapped to match different bed structure types, allowing the same basic clamp assembly to adapt to various vehicles without redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp assembly is designed with universal applicability through interchangeable hook members and adjustable jaw configurations. The same clamp assembly can securely attach to multiple bed structure types (conventional rails, new pickup truck structures, different rail profiles) by swapping the hook member, making it a multi-functional device that serves various attachment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the clamp assembly uses fixed jaw members, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate various bed structures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to attach to multiple bed structuresVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of interchangeable components

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp assembly transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. The interchangeable hook members allow the user to change the jaw member configuration based on the specific bed structure being attached to, making the device adaptable rather than static. This dynamic reconfigurability enables attachment to multiple bed structure types while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process for each individual component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the clamp assembly is designed for specific bed structures, then it provides secure attachment, but it limits compatibility with other vehicle types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachment of load carrierVSAvoidcompatibility across different vehicle bed structures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The interchangeable hook members act as intermediaries between the clamp assembly and various bed structure types. Each hook member is specifically designed to match certain bed structure profiles, serving as a mediator that enables secure attachment. By swapping the intermediary hook member, the same clamp assembly can reliably attach to different bed structures without compromising attachment security or compatibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12162536B2Load carrier support assembly for vehicle bed frame

Publication Date: 2024.12.10 THULE SWEDEN AB

AI summary

A support assembly for securing a load carrier to a bed structure of a vehicle includes a clamp assembly and a tensioning device. The clamp assembly for clamping the load carrier to the bed structure of the vehicle includes a first jaw member and a second jaw member opposite the first jaw member. The second jaw member includes a first hook member and a second hook member opposite the first hook member. The first hook member has a first concave portion facing towards the first jaw member. The second hook member has a second concave portion facing away from the first jaw member. The clamp assembly is attachable to a plurality of different vehicle bed structures. The tensioning device is coupled to the clamp assembly and is configured to tighten the clamp assembly.