Vehicle Bed Gutter System for Storage Compartment Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle storage compartments in pickup trucks face challenges with insufficient secure and protectable storage space, and existing solutions for drainage in these compartments are either expensive, inconvenient, or compromise functionality and space.
Innovation Solution
A gutter system is implemented around the storage compartment opening in the vehicle bed floor, comprising a main gutter channel and lateral channels that connect to discharge channels to facilitate horizontal drainage away from the compartment, preventing water entry and enhancing security with a sealing lid mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a storage compartment is provided in the bed floor with a horizontal lid, then secure and protectable storage space is improved, but drainage capability deteriorates as water can enter the storage compartment through the horizontal opening
Solution Approach 1:
The gutter system is segmented into multiple channels: a main gutter channel positioned at the inward side of the opening, lateral gutter channels at the lateral sides, and discharge channels extending outwardly. This segmentation creates a comprehensive drainage network that captures water from different directions and directs it away from the storage compartment opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The gutter system acts as an intermediary structure between the storage compartment opening and the bed floor surface. It intercepts drainage water before it can reach the opening and redirects it through discharge channels, preventing water entry while maintaining the horizontal orientation of the storage compartment lid.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a gutter system with multiple channels is implemented, then drainage capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The main gutter channel, lateral gutter channels, and discharge channels are merged into a single integrated gutter system that surrounds the storage compartment opening. This unified structure provides comprehensive drainage coverage while maintaining structural coherence and ease of installation as a single unit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The gutter system effectively directs drainage away from the storage compartment, ensuring it remains dry and secure, while maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of the vehicle bed space.
Implementation Method 1
The gutter includes a main gutter channel disposed adjacent and along an inward side of the opening and lateral gutter channels disposed adjacent and along lateral sides of the opening. At least one discharge channel is fluidly connected to the main gutter channel and extends laterally outwardly therefrom to facilitate drainage from the main gutter channel.
Data Source
AI summary
A gutter system for a vehicle storage compartment includes a bed floor for supporting cargo in a vehicle and a storage compartment having an opening defined in the bed floor. A gutter at least partially surrounds the opening. The gutter includes a main gutter channel disposed adjacent and along an inward side of the opening and lateral gutter channels disposed adjacent and along lateral sides of the opening. At least one discharge channel fluidly connects to the main gutter channel and extends laterally outwardly therefrom to facilitate drainage from the main gutter channel.