Folding Tailgate Assembly With Multi-Position Access and Step Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pick-up truck tailgates lack versatility in opening positions, failing to securely transport oversize cargo and provide adequate access in windy or bumpy conditions, and do not offer sufficient support for user ingress and egress.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle tailgate assembly with a transverse base and support arms, featuring a rotatable door with multiple latching positions, an extendible step assembly, and a deployable handle, allowing the door sections to align in various orientations for secure cargo transport and user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tailgate is completely closed, then cargo security is improved, but user access to the truck bed is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate door is divided into two rotatable sections: an upper section and a lower section. This segmentation allows the door to be opened in multiple positions - the lower section can be rotated down while the upper section remains closed, or both sections can be rotated together. This resolves the contradiction by providing partial access (improving ease of operation) while maintaining cargo security when only partial opening is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate incorporates multiple dynamic opening positions through rotational joints. The door can be held at various angles (fully closed, partially open with lower section down, fully open with both sections down) using locking mechanisms. This dynamic capability allows the tailgate to adapt to different situations - securing cargo when closed and providing access when partially or fully opened.
2Ease of operation
If the tailgate is completely opened to vertical position, then user access is improved, but cargo security and wind protection are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The divided door structure with upper and lower sections allows selective opening. Users can rotate only the lower section downward while keeping the upper section closed and locked, providing knee access or small item retrieval without exposing the entire cargo area. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling access improvement while maintaining cargo security through selective opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate enables partial opening action rather than requiring full opening. The lower section can be rotated down to provide sufficient access for many tasks without the need to open the entire door vertically. This partial action resolves the contradiction by providing adequate access improvement while avoiding the excessive opening that would compromise cargo security and wind protection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate allows multiple opening positions, then versatility is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The door is segmented into two independently rotatable sections connected by a rotational joint with locking mechanism. This segmentation provides multiple opening positions (fully closed, lower section only, both sections) without requiring entirely separate mechanisms for each position. The shared rotational joint and locking system reduce the overall complexity compared to having independent mechanisms for each opening mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper and lower door sections share common mounting structures, rotational joints, and locking mechanisms. By merging these functional elements rather than providing separate mechanisms for each section, the design achieves multiple opening positions with reduced overall complexity. The combined structure allows versatile positioning while avoiding the complexity of completely independent systems.
4Ease of operation
If a step assembly is added to assist user entry, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is integrated into the existing tailgate structure, combining the step function with the door assembly rather than adding a completely separate structure. The step can be positioned to extend from the door when opened, utilizing the door's structural elements and mounting points. This merging provides user entry assistance while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity by reusing existing structural components.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate door serves multiple functions: it provides cargo closure, can be opened in multiple positions for access, and incorporates an integrated step assembly for user entry assistance. By making the door structure multi-functional rather than adding separate dedicated structures for each function, the design improves ease of operation while limiting the increase in device complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tailgate assembly primarily for pick-up trucks comprises a frame with a transverse base and support arms extending perpendicularly therefrom adjacent distal ends of the base. A tailgate door is rotationally mounted to the frame between the support arms. The door comprises a transverse upper section rotationally joined to a transverse lower section at a rotational joint, preferably a hinge. A releasable locking mechanism is located adjacent the rotational joint to releasably hold the upper section in relation to the lower section at selected orientations. An additional locking mechanism may selectively hold the lower section and/or the upper section to the support arms. The tailgate may also be provided with an extendible tailgate which may be rotated interiorly and exteriorly of the plane of the upper section. An extendible handle may also be provided to support user entry and exit from a cargo hold of the truck.