Anti-chucking Tailgate Bracket with Pivoting Striker

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-chucking devices for tailgates only prevent side-to-side motion in one position, such as the fully closed position, failing to address damage and corrosion issues when the tailgate is in both open and closed positions, especially under harsh driving conditions.

Innovation Solution

An anti-chucking device comprising a bracket member with first and second pairs of tabs defining slots, and a striker member that pivots between these slots to prevent lateral movement of the tailgate in both open and closed positions, featuring self-guiding and water management capabilities to prevent corrosion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing anti-chucking devices are used to prevent side-to-side motion in the closed position, then damage to the vehicle frame is reduced in that position, but the tailgate remains vulnerable to lateral movement and damage in the open position

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection against lateral movementVSAvoidfunctionality across multiple positions

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The anti-chucking device transitions from a static configuration to a dynamic one, where the bracket and striker member can pivot between different positions. The bracket is mounted to allow rotation, enabling the striker to engage with different portions of the tailgate assembly depending on whether it is in the open or closed position, thus providing continuous lateral movement prevention across the full range of motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to perform the same anti-chucking function in multiple positions (both open and closed). The bracket member with its extended geometry and the striker member configuration enable the single device to provide lateral restraint whether the tailgate is fully open, partially open, or fully closed, eliminating the need for position-specific devices

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the tailgate is allowed to move freely in lateral direction, then ease of operation is improved, but damage to tailgate hinges and D-pillar structures occurs under harsh driving conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetailgate movement freedomVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies a preliminary restraining force that prevents the tailgate from achieving positions that would cause structural damage. The bracket and striker member configuration creates mechanical interference that blocks excessive lateral movement before it can occur, particularly preventing the tailgate from moving too far forward or backward relative to the vehicle body during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket member acts as an intermediary element between the vehicle body and the tailgate assembly. It provides a controlled interface that allows necessary tailgate movement while simultaneously restraining harmful lateral excursions, mediating between the need for operational freedom and structural protection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the anti-chucking device structure is simplified, then ease of manufacture is improved, but water management and corrosion prevention capabilities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidwater accumulation and corrosion

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket member is designed with extended geometry that reaches toward the rear of the cargo box, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to intercept water before it can reach the anti-chucking device mounting area. This dimensional extension provides weather protection without adding complex protective components or increasing manufacturing difficulty

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Effectively prevents damage to the vehicle frame and minimizes corrosion by maintaining the tailgate's stability in both open and closed positions, ensuring the vehicle's structural integrity and reducing water accumulation.

Implementation Method 1

The striker member pivots between the first slot and the second slot, with the tailgate assembly moving between open and closed positions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS7644973B2Anti-chucking tailgate

Publication Date: 2010.01.12 FORD GLOBAL TECH LLC

AI summary

An anti-chucking device (14) for a tailgate assembly (12) for a vehicle (10), includes a bracket member (36) and a striker member (38). The striker member (38) engages the bracket member (36) and prevents the tailgate assembly (12) from moving in a lateral direction on the vehicle (10) when the tailgate assembly (12) is moved to an open position and a closed position. The bracket member (36) includes a first pair of tabs (50) and a second pair of tabs (52). The first pair of tabs (50) extends from the second pair of tabs (52) by a predetermined angle. The first pair of tabs (50) defines a first slot (60), and the second pair of tabs (52) defines a second slot (62). The striker member (38) pivots between the first slot (60) and the second slot (62), with the tailgate assembly (12) moving between open and closed positions.