Foldable Tailgate Device with Hinged Panels and Sleeve Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tailgate solutions for trucks are limited in functionality when a truck bed camper is used, as they require removal of the tailgate, leaving the truck bed with reduced utility and no secure storage option for the tailgate.

Innovation Solution

A foldable tailgate device with hinged panels, retention devices, and a sleeve mechanism that allows for easy installation and removal without tools, providing secure coupling to the truck bed using dowels, magnetic devices, or retention arms, and featuring panels made of durable materials like polymer plastic for enhanced functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the tailgate is removed for camper installation, then the camper can be installed in the truck bed, but the truck bed loses secure storage capability and the tailgate has no storage location

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamper installation capabilityVSAvoidtruck bed storage security

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate is divided into two separate panels that can be independently folded and stored. This segmentation allows the tailgate to be compacted into a space-efficient configuration that fits within the truck bed when not in use, while providing a complete tailgate structure when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The folded tailgate panels are nested within the truck bed space, with the first panel folded over the second panel. This nesting arrangement allows the tailgate to be stored compactly within the truck bed volume, maintaining secure storage capability while enabling camper installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If a traditional tailgate is used, then the truck bed has secure storage, but the tailgate cannot be easily stored when not in use and truck bed utility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetruck bed storage securityVSAvoidtruck bed utility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate employs a dynamic folding mechanism with hinges that allow the panels to transition between extended and folded states. This dynamic capability enables the tailgate to adapt between providing secure storage when extended and being compacted for storage when not needed, maximizing truck bed utility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the tailgate into two foldable panels, the design enables the tailgate to be collapsed into a compact form factor that can be stored within the truck bed, while maintaining the functionality of a complete tailgate when deployed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tailgate is made removable for flexibility, then truck bed utility increases, but the installation and removal process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetruck bed flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation and removal time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The retention devices are designed to automatically engage with the truck bed rails when the tailgate panels are positioned correctly, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations. This self-service mechanism significantly reduces installation and removal time while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical fastening systems with simpler retention devices that utilize magnetic or friction-based attachment to the truck bed rails. This substitution reduces the number of parts and steps required for installation and removal, minimizing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If the tailgate uses complex retention mechanisms, then secure coupling to truck bed is achieved, but the device complexity increases and tool-free operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling securityVSAvoidretention mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables secure storage of the tailgate in the truck bed when not in use, allows for light hauling with the camper off, and provides quick, tool-free installation and removal, maintaining truck bed utility and appearance.

Implementation Method 1

a hinge coupled between the first ends of the first and second panels and permitting the first and second panels to switch between an extended state and a folded state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHinge mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

a sleeve receiving uppermost portions of the first ends of the first and second panels and aligned with the hinge to lock the first and second panels in the extended state

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical constraint: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

a first retention device coupled to the second end of the first panel and to be coupled to a first side portion of a truck bed of the vehicle, and a second retention device coupled to the second end of the second panel and to be coupled to a second side portion of the truck bed of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical attachment: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 4

each of the first and second retention devices may comprise a magnetic device configured to magnetically couple to the first and second side portions of the truck bed of the vehicle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Implementation Method 5

an elastic member coupled to the elongate member and to bias the elongate member to extend outward

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic bias: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11511816B1Tailgate device with folding feature and related methods

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 FOLDING TAILGATE LLC

AI summary

A tailgate device includes a first panel defining first openings, and a second panel defining second openings. The tailgate device also includes a hinge coupled between first ends of the first and second panels and permitting the first and second panels to switch between an extended state and a folded state, and a sleeve receiving uppermost portions of the first ends of the first and second panels and aligned with the hinge to lock the first and second panels in the extended state. The tailgate device also includes a first retention device coupled to a second end of the first panel and to be coupled to a first side portion of a truck bed of a vehicle, and a second retention device coupled to a second end of the second panel and to be coupled to a second side portion of the truck bed of the vehicle.