Articulating Tailgate Panels for Cargo Bed Access in Tight Spaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access to the cargo bed of a pickup vehicle is difficult due to the tailgate blocking direct access and creating a confined path, especially in limited spaces where contact with nearby objects is a concern.
Innovation Solution
The tailgate panels articulate from the rear to the sides of the vehicle, allowing direct access to the cargo area floor and incorporating deployable steps and integrated lights to enhance ingress and egress, while reducing the opening envelope and avoiding object contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate panel is opened to provide access to the cargo bed, then access to the cargo area is improved, but the opening envelope behind the vehicle increases and creates risk of contact with nearby objects
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate panel articulates laterally to the side of the cargo bed rather than opening directly rearward. This changes the opening dimension from a rearward arc to a lateral movement, reducing the rear opening envelope while maintaining access functionality. The panel moves from a blocked rear position to a side position, allowing rear access without creating a large rearward opening path.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate is divided into a main body portion and a separate access panel. The access panel can be independently opened laterally to provide cargo bed access, while the main tailgate body remains closed. This segmentation allows access functionality to be separated from the main tailgate structure, enabling the panel to move to the side rather than requiring full tailgate opening.
2Ease of operation
If the tailgate panel is opened to provide access to the cargo bed, then access to the cargo area is improved, but the access distance at the rear of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access panel articulates laterally to the side of the cargo bed rather than opening directly rearward. This lateral movement positions the panel edge close to the rear of the vehicle, allowing personnel to access the cargo bed from the rear without requiring a long approach distance. The panel effectively brings the access point closer to the rear boundary of the vehicle.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the tailgate panel articulates to the side of the cargo bed, then the opening envelope behind the vehicle is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into a main body portion and a separate access panel with independent articulation capability. The access panel includes its own hinge mechanism and articulation points that connect to the cargo bed structure. This segmentation allows the panel to be independently controlled and articulated to the side, reducing the need for complex mechanisms in the main tailgate while achieving the reduced opening envelope goal.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate assembly including at least two tailgate panels that both move between a closed position, a plurality of intermediate open positions, and a fully open position, where the tailgate panels selectively separate and articulate from the back of the cargo bed to the sides of the cargo bed. The tailgate panels move out of the way to provide direct access to the cargo area floor. The tailgate panels articulate in a small envelope of space, improving access to the rear in a confined space at the rear of the vehicle and reducing the risk of contacting objects that may be behind the vehicle.