Modular Rear Assembly With Lowerable Tailgate Ramp for Easier Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing rear assembly of motor vehicles makes it inconvenient and impractical to load and unload heavy items due to the fixed bumper and vehicle panel delimiting the space between the vehicle underbody and trunk floor, which is not efficiently utilized for storage or loading purposes.
Innovation Solution
A modular rear assembly with a rear frame element that can be releasably attached to the vehicle frame, allowing for a combined translational and pivoting movement of the tailgate, and featuring a U-shaped frame element that can be lowered to facilitate easier access to the space below the trunk floor, along with a telescopic ramp for comfortable loading and unloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the bumper and body panel are fixed as a single piece into the rear frame, then the vehicle's rear structure is simple and structurally stable, but the storage space between the underbody and trunk floor is not accessible for loading heavy items
Solution Approach 1:
The rear assembly is divided into separate modular components: the rear frame element, the body panel, and the bumper are designed as detachable parts rather than a fixed single-piece structure. This segmentation allows the bumper to be lowered to create an accessible ramp while maintaining the ability to reconfigure or replace individual components based on loading needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear assembly transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system. The bumper can be lowered to form a ramp for loading heavy items, and the detachable connections allow the assembly to be adjusted or reconfigured. This dynamic capability enables the structure to adapt between providing structural stability and facilitating easy loading access.
2Quantity of substance
If the trunk floor is positioned higher than the underbody to create additional storage space, then storage capacity is increased, but the space becomes impractical for loading heavy loads due to the fixed bumper
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is designed to be lowerable to transform the fixed high trunk floor configuration into an accessible loading ramp. When the bumper is lowered, it creates a gradual incline that connects the ground to the trunk floor level, making the storage space accessible for heavy items without requiring lifting over a fixed barrier.
Solution Approach 2:
The lowerable bumper acts as an intermediary element between the ground and the trunk floor. By positioning the bumper at an intermediate height that can be adjusted, it serves as a transitional ramp that bridges the gap between the ground level and the elevated trunk floor, facilitating the movement of heavy loads into the storage space.
3Reliability
If heavy items must be lifted over the fixed bumper to reach the lower storage space, then the storage space remains protected and secure, but the loading process becomes impractical and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper's ability to be lowered transforms the loading process from a slow, labor-intensive lifting operation to a faster rolling or sliding motion. The dynamic adjustment of the bumper height allows users to create a gentle ramp that enables quick loading of heavy items while the bumper can be raised back to its original position to maintain security and protection of the storage space.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a modular rear assembly (1) for a motor vehicle (2), comprising a rear frame element (3) and a tailgate (4), wherein the frame element (3) is configured to form part of a rear vehicle frame (5) and is detachably attached to the vehicle frame (5). The present invention further relates to a motor vehicle (2) with a modular rear assembly (1), wherein the motor vehicle (2) has a vehicle body configured such that a loading tray (17) is arranged in the area of a rear vehicle trunk. The present invention makes it possible to load a motor vehicle from the rear more conveniently and quickly, and to increase the storage space accessible for loading the motor vehicle.