Collapsible Tailgate Panels for Hitch Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Utility vehicle tailgates often interfere with towing equipment when in the raised position, and lowering them to accommodate hitch assemblies renders the bed unusable for storage, with removal being time-consuming and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A collapsible tailgate arrangement with vertically movable and rotatable panels that can be partially lowered to expose the vehicle bed without fully raising or lowering the tailgate, using actuators for manual or powered operation to adjust the panels between raised and collapsed positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate is lowered to accommodate the hitch assembly, then the towing equipment can be installed, but the bed becomes unusable for storage
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into multiple independent panels (first panel, second panel, third panel) that can be selectively positioned. The first and second panels can be lowered to accommodate the hitch assembly while the third panel remains in the raised position to maintain bed storage functionality, allowing simultaneous achievement of both towing accommodation and storage capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate panels are designed with dynamic positioning capability through actuators that enable each panel to be independently raised or lowered. This dynamic adjustment allows the tailgate to adapt its configuration based on operational needs - fully raised for storage, partially lowered for hitch installation, or fully lowered when needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate is fully removed to install the hitch assembly, then the hitch can be installed, but the operation becomes time-consuming and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tailgate into multiple independently controllable panels, only the necessary portions (first and second panels) need to be lowered for hitch installation, rather than removing the entire tailgate. This significantly reduces the time and effort required for installation while maintaining the ability to quickly restore full tailgate functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators are positioned and configured to enable rapid lowering of the panels before hitch installation is needed, and rapid raising afterward. The system is pre-configured with guides and mounting structures that facilitate quick panel movement, minimizing the time the tailgate is in a non-functional state.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate panels are rotated to expose the bed, then the hitch assembly can be accessed, but the panels must be fully lowered which compromises storage
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is segmented into multiple panels that can be independently positioned. The first and second panels can be rotated and lowered to expose the bed end for hitch assembly access, while the third panel remains in the raised position to maintain storage functionality, achieving both bed exposure and storage capability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for partially covering an end of a vehicle bed includes a tailgate comprising a frame adapted for moving between a raised position and a lowered position relative to the vehicle bed. The frame supports at least one member adapted for moving along the frame to at least partially expose the end of the vehicle bed without moving the frame to the lowered position. A plurality of movable members in the form of panels may be provided, along with actuators for rotating and/or moving one or more of the panels between the raised and collapsed configuration. A related method is also disclosed.