Dual Platform Bumper System for Split Tailgate Over-Travel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle tailgate systems with independent closure members are prone to over-motion and fore-aft oscillation due to unsupported portions, which can lead to undesirable contact and friction issues during closure.
Innovation Solution
A dual platform bumper system with a bumper and platform configuration that includes upper and lower contact platforms oriented at non-parallel angles, featuring deflectable ribs and apertures to absorb energy and control sliding friction, preventing over-travel and oscillation between split tailgate doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If independent closure members are used in vehicle tailgate systems, then selective access to cargo bed is improved, but over-motion and fore-aft oscillation occur during closure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary damping mechanism between the independent closure members (doors) to control their relative motion. This mediator absorbs and dissipates energy from unwanted oscillations and over-travel, stabilizing the door system while preserving the selective access capability. The damping mechanism acts as a buffer that allows controlled movement while preventing excessive motion.
2Adaptability or versatility
If unsupported portions of closure members are allowed to move independently, then access flexibility is improved, but over-travel and oscillation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the closure system by introducing damping elements that modify the motion characteristics of the independent doors. The damping mechanism alters the effective stiffness and damping coefficients of the door assembly, controlling the range and nature of independent movement. This allows the system to maintain adaptability for different access scenarios while ensuring reliable closure control through parameter optimization.
3Reliability
If multiple contact points are implemented in bumper system, then over-travel prevention is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bumper system into multiple contact points distributed at different locations and orientations. Each contact point independently contributes to preventing over-travel in specific directions, collectively providing comprehensive control. This segmentation approach distributes the complexity across multiple simple elements rather than requiring one complex mechanism, making the system more manageable and reliable.
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
The dual platform bumper system effectively limits door-to-door over-travel, controls sliding friction, and absorbs energy to prevent oscillation, ensuring smooth and quiet closure of split tailgate doors by engaging at multiple points and adjusting contact timing.
Implementation Method 1
the upper peak further includes a relief aperture that defines a deflectable rib configured to selectively elastically deform into the relief aperture when contacted by the lower contact platform
Implementation Method 2
configured to selectively elastically deform into the relief aperture when contacted by the lower contact platform
Implementation Method 3
the upper contact platform being ramped to increase contact with the bumper the further the door moves toward the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A dual platform bumper system for a vehicle includes a bumper configured to couple to one of the door or another vehicle component, the bumper having first and second points of contact, and a platform configured to couple to the other of the door and the other vehicle component. The platform includes an upper contact platform and a lower contact platform. The upper contact platform is configured to contact the first point of contact when the door is moved to a closed position, and the lower contact platform is configured to contact the second point of contact when the door is moved to the closed position to facilitate preventing over-travel relative movement of the at least one door.