Deployable Vehicle Load Floor for Single-Piece Tailgate Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern vehicles with single-piece tailgates lack the accessibility and functionality benefits provided by split tailgates, such as easy loading and additional seating, due to reduced parts complexity and design advancements.
Innovation Solution
A load floor assembly with a deployable platform that moves between a retracted and deployed position, extending from the load floor to provide an additional surface for loading and unloading, and a control system to automate this movement based on door opening and load conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-piece tailgate is used, then device complexity is reduced, but accessibility and functionality are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into two separate parts: an upper tailgate portion and a lower load floor portion that can move independently. This segmentation allows the lower portion to be extended outward to provide accessibility similar to split tailgates, while the overall structure remains simpler than traditional multi-piece designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The load floor portion is made dynamically movable between a retracted position (flush with the vehicle body) and an extended position (protruding outward). This dynamic capability enables the tailgate to adapt its configuration based on operational needs, providing accessibility when required while maintaining a streamlined appearance when not in use.
2Device complexity
If a single-piece tailgate is used, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The movable load floor portion serves multiple functions: it acts as part of the tailgate structure, provides an extended loading surface when protruding, and can be used as additional seating space. This multi-functionality compensates for the reduced parts complexity, delivering enhanced versatility without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ability of the load floor portion to dynamically change its position between retracted and extended states enables the tailgate to adapt to different functional requirements, such as loading/unloading operations or providing additional cargo space, thereby enhancing overall functionality.
3Area of moving object
If the platform extends horizontally from the load floor, then loading surface area is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The platform is merged with the load floor portion, forming an integrated structure that extends the loading surface area. This combination eliminates the need for separate platform components, thereby increasing loading surface area without significantly increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An adaptable load floor assembly, storage compartment, and associated control system for a vehicle. The vehicle includes a storage compartment with a load floor, a rear opening, a door for selectively closing the opening, and a platform hinged to the load floor and located within the storage compartment when the door is closed. In use and when the door is open, the platform is pivotable from a retracted position in which the platform partially obstructs the opening and a deployed position in which the platform extends out of the opening to provide an extension to the load floor. The platform is operated automatically by an actuator and the free end of the platform is supported by a tether. The vehicle includes a control unit for controlling the movement of the platform in accordance with safety criteria to avoid damage.