Dual-Gate Tailgate Step Mechanism for Pickup Truck Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
The elevated position of cargo beds in vehicles, such as pickup trucks, makes accessing items difficult due to the need for users to climb in and out, which complicates ingress and egress.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate assembly with a first gate pivotably coupled to the vehicle body and a second gate pivotably coupled to the first gate, allowing both to move into a step position where the inner surface of the second gate provides a step surface parallel to the ground, facilitating easier access to the cargo bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cargo bed is elevated relative to ground level, then cargo storage capacity and vehicle utility are improved, but user accessibility and ease of ingress/egress deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into two separate gates: a first gate that pivots relative to the vehicle body and a second gate that pivots relative to the first gate. This segmentation allows the second gate to be positioned at a lower height to form a step surface, providing accessibility while the first gate maintains the elevated cargo bed enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The second gate acts as an intermediary element between the ground and the elevated cargo bed. When positioned in the step location, it provides a intermediate surface that facilitates easier access to the cargo bed without compromising the elevated design.
2Device complexity
If a single gate tailgate is used, then device complexity is reduced, but functionality and adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The two-gate tailgate assembly provides multiple functions: (1) both gates can be closed to secure the cargo bed, (2) both gates can be opened to provide access, (3) the second gate can be positioned in a step location to facilitate loading/unloading, and (4) the first gate can be opened while the second remains closed to provide partial access. This multi-functionality addresses various user needs without requiring multiple separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate system incorporates dynamic positioning capabilities where the second gate can be selectively positioned between a closed position (flush with the first gate) and a step location (extended outward to form a step). This dynamic adaptability allows the same structure to serve different functions based on user requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary tailgate assembly includes, among other things, a first gate pivotably coupled to a vehicle body, and a second gate pivotably coupled to the first gate. The second gate has an inner surface that faces a vehicle cargo bed when the second gate is in a closed position. The first and second gates are moveable to a step position where the inner surface is a step surface to the vehicle cargo bed. An exemplary method includes, among other things, pivoting a first and a second gate to a step position where an inner surface of the second gate is a step surface to a vehicle cargo bed. The inner surface faces the vehicle cargo bed when the second gate is in a closed position.