Foldable Tailgate Table for Cargo Protection and Work Surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a versatile solution that provides a work surface and protection for cargo in the bed of a pickup truck, capable of extending from the tailgate and folding back to cover the cargo, while ensuring security from the environment and theft.

Innovation Solution

A table system comprising hingedly attached panels that fold relative to each other, allowing extension from the tailgate for use as a work surface and folding back to secure the cargo, with optional legs for stability and secure attachment mechanisms to the vehicle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the table is deployed to provide a work surface, then the working area is improved, but the cargo protection is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvework surface areaVSAvoidcargo exposure to environment and theft

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The table panels are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between a deployed configuration (providing a work surface) and a stowed configuration (covering the cargo bed). The hinge connections allow the panels to move between these states, enabling the same structure to serve both functions at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The table structure serves multiple functions: when deployed, it provides a work surface for various tasks; when stowed, it becomes a protective cover for the cargo bed. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by allowing the single structure to address both work surface needs and cargo protection needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the table panels are extended to cover the cargo bed, then the cargo protection is improved, but the working area is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo protection from environment and theftVSAvoidavailable work surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The table panels transition between deployed and stowed configurations through hinge mechanisms, allowing users to switch between cargo protection mode and work surface mode as needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The table alternates between two functional states - deployed for work activities and stowed for cargo protection - creating a periodic switching pattern that satisfies different operational requirements at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Strength

If the table is made rigid for stability, then the structural strength is improved, but the foldability is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetable structural strengthVSAvoidfoldability between configurations

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The table is divided into multiple panels connected by hinges, allowing each panel to be relatively rigid for strength while the overall structure remains flexible and foldable. The segmentation enables the table to maintain structural integrity when deployed while allowing easy transition to the stowed configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge connections provide dynamic articulation between panels, allowing the table to transition between rigid deployed state and compact stowed state. Each panel maintains rigidity for structural strength while the joints provide the necessary flexibility for folding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10532683B1Vehicle table

Publication Date: 2020.01.14 BOWMAN JOHN

AI summary

A table attachable to the tailgate of a vehicle extends from the tailgate. The table is foldable between a stowed and a deployed configuration. In the stowed configuration the table can be folded against the vehicle tailgate or extend transverse to the tailgate and securable to the vehicle. In the deployed configuration the table when extended in the plane of the tailgate forms a surface.