Multi-hinged Tailgate Assembly Reducing Height Barrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle tailgates often present a height barrier when accessing cargo, limiting space utilization and accessibility, especially in pickup trucks where additional cargo space is needed for various items.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate assembly with multiple reconfigurable panel portions, allowing the second panel to pivot from a parallel to a perpendicular position, and a third panel to fold or pivot for additional loading surfaces and step functionality, reducing the overall height and enhancing cargo access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tailgate is made tall to provide full cargo access, then cargo space accessibility is improved, but ease of access to cargo area deteriorates due to height barrier
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into multiple hinged panel portions (first panel portion hinged to vehicle body, second panel portion hinged to first panel, and optionally third panel portion hinged to second panel). This segmentation allows each panel to be independently positioned, enabling the tailgate to reduce overall height while maintaining cargo space access capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate panels are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable between different positions. The second panel portion can pivot between a first position (generally parallel with the first panel portion, providing full height for cargo access) and a second position (generally perpendicular to the first panel portion, reducing overall height for easier access). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between maintaining cargo accessibility and reducing access barrier.
2Ease of operation
If the tailgate height is reduced for easier access, then ease of operation is improved, but cargo space accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic reconfigurability of the tailgate panels allows the system to adapt its height based on operational needs. When full cargo access is required, the panels can be positioned to provide maximum height. When ease of access is the priority, the panels can be repositioned to reduce height. This dynamic adaptation resolves the trade-off between these two opposing requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple panel portions are added to provide reconfigurability, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is segmented into multiple hinged panel portions that can be independently positioned. This segmentation provides adaptability and reconfigurability while using relatively simple hinge connections between panels, avoiding the need for complex mechanical systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple panel portions serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, enable height adjustment, create loading surfaces, and can function as steps. This multi-functionality increases adaptability while avoiding the need for separate components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate assembly for connection to a vehicle body includes a first panel portion configured for hinged connection to the vehicle body, as well as a second panel portion hinged to the first panel portion. The second panel portion is configured to be pivoted from a first position in which the second panel portion is generally parallel with the first panel portion to a second position in which the second panel portion is generally perpendicular to the first panel portion to reduce a first height of the tailgate. In some embodiments, the tailgate assembly further includes a third panel portion hinged to the second panel portion and configured to be pivoted between a stowed position in which the third panel portion extends generally parallel with the second panel portion and a use position in which the third panel portion extends generally perpendicular to the second panel portion.