Elastic Buffer for Cargo Bed Tailgate Edge Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing damage to the lower edge of a cargo bed's tailgate when loading or unloading baggage are inadequate, as they either suffer from damage due to rotational sealing mechanisms or wear down due to the weight and friction of the baggage.
Innovation Solution
A buffer system is mounted along the lower edge of the cargo bed, comprising a fixing section, a connecting section, and a contact section made of elastic materials, designed to absorb the impact and distribute the weight of the baggage smoothly, preventing damage and wear by allowing the buffer to bend and displace effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sealing member is engaged with a recessed section at the lower end of the tailgate, then water infiltration is prevented, but the sealing section sustains damage due to rotational movement during baggage loading/unloading
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer is divided into three functional sections: a fixing section for mounting, a connecting section for structural linkage, and a contact section for direct interaction with baggage. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function optimally while reducing overall damage to the sealing member.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer acts as an intermediary component between the tailgate and the baggage. It absorbs the impact and rotational forces generated during baggage loading/unloading, preventing these forces from being transmitted to the sealing member and causing damage.
2Strength
If a plate-like cover member is used to protect the lower edge, then structural protection is provided, but the cover member is easily worn down or damaged due to friction and weight of baggage
Solution Approach 1:
The buffer utilizes an elastic material that can flex and deform under the weight and friction of baggage. This flexibility allows the buffer to absorb wear and deformation without compromising its protective function, unlike rigid plate-like cover members that are prone to cracking and failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The buffer changes its physical state through elastic deformation when subjected to baggage weight and friction. This dynamic parameter change allows it to accommodate the varying forces during baggage loading/unloading while maintaining its protective function and resisting wear.
3Force
If the buffer is made entirely of elastic material, then impact absorption is improved, but the structural strength to support baggage weight may be insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different sections of the buffer have different functional requirements. The fixing section requires high structural strength for mounting, the connecting section requires moderate strength for linkage, and the contact section requires high elasticity for impact absorption. By applying local quality, each section is optimized for its specific function while the whole buffer maintains both strength and elasticity.
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 buffer effectively prevents damage to the lower edge of the cargo bed and reduces wear by absorbing the impact and weight of the baggage, ensuring smooth passage and prolonged durability of the buffer and cargo bed components.
Implementation Method 1
the contact section and the connecting section each being made of an elastic material
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a buffer which prevents damage to a lower edge of a baggage gateway of a baggage-containing section and which is not easily worn down or damaged when rubbed by baggage. The buffer includes a fixing section, a contact section, and a connecting section. At a vehicle-interior-side end of the connecting section, a lower surface of the connecting section is provided at a height obtained by subtracting (a) a thickness, in a vertical direction, of the vehicle-interior-side end of the connecting section from (b) a height, in the vertical direction, measured from the surface of the lower edge to a first top portion. At a vehicle-exterior side end of the connecting section, the lower surface of the connecting section is provided at a height obtained by subtracting (a) a thickness, in the vertical direction, of the vehicle-exterior-side end of the connecting section from (b) a height, in the vertical direction, measured from the surface of the lower edge to a second top portion.