Flexible Cover Assembly for Pickup Tailgate Gap Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pickup trucks with open tailgates often have a gap between the cargo area and the tailgate, which allows cargo to fall out, and existing solutions do not effectively cover this gap in a practical or durable manner.
Innovation Solution
A flexible cover assembly is attached to the cargo area and tailgate, using a flexible sheet-like material with attachment brackets and fasteners to cover the gap, ensuring the material is securely clamped between the cargo area and tailgate structures, preventing cargo from falling out.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid cover is used to seal the gap, then cargo security is improved, but ease of operation and storage are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover assembly transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible system that can be easily deployed and stowed. The flexible material allows the cover to be rolled up or folded when not in use, and the elastic nature enables automatic sealing when the tailgate is closed, resolving the contradiction between security and operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a flexible material cover instead of a rigid structure. This flexible film can conform to the gap between the cargo area and tailgate, providing effective sealing while being easily installable and removable. The flexibility allows it to be stored compactly when not needed.
2Reliability
If a permanent fixed cover is installed, then cargo security is improved, but adaptability is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system is designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing users to deploy it when cargo security is needed and stow it when the cargo area needs to be fully accessible. This adaptability accommodates different cargo configurations and user needs while maintaining effective gap sealing when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cover assembly serves multiple functions: it seals the gap to prevent cargo from falling out, can be easily installed and removed for different cargo types, and can be stowed when not needed. This multi-functionality provides adaptability for various cargo configurations while maintaining reliable sealing when required.
3Area of stationary object
If existing rigid cover solutions are used, then gap coverage is improved, but device complexity and durability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible material cover that can effectively cover the gap area between the cargo bed and tailgate. This flexible film approach provides adequate coverage without requiring complex rigid structures, brackets, or multiple components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining effective gap coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle cargo area assembly includes a cargo area structure, a tailgate structure and a flexible cover assembly. The tailgate structure is supported to the cargo bed structure for pivotal movement with respect thereto between a closed orientation and an open orientation. The flexible cover assembly has a first end attached to the cargo area structure and a second end attached to the tailgate structure. The flexible cover assembly covers a gap defined between the cargo area structure and the tailgate structure with the tailgate structure in the open orientation.