Multi-Panel Tailgate Articulation for Confined Rear Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access to the cargo box of a pick-up vehicle is difficult with the tailgate blocking direct access to the cargo area or confining the access path, especially in confined spaces where there is a risk of hitting nearby objects.
Innovation Solution
The tailgate panels articulate from the rear of the vehicle to the sides, providing direct access to the cargo area and incorporating deployable steps and integrated lights for improved ingress and egress, while reducing the opening envelope behind the vehicle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate panels are opened to provide access to the cargo bed, then access to the cargo area is improved, but the opening envelope behind the vehicle increases causing risk of contact with nearby objects
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate panels articulate laterally to the sides of the cargo bed rather than opening vertically upward. This dimensional change in the opening path allows the panels to clear the rear space envelope, eliminating the risk of contact with objects behind the vehicle while maintaining access to the cargo bed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate is divided into multiple separable panels that can articulate independently to different positions. This segmentation allows the panels to be positioned optimally for access while minimizing the rear opening envelope, as each panel can be positioned to the side rather than requiring a large vertical opening space.
2Ease of operation
If the tailgate panels are opened to provide direct access to the cargo area, then access distance is reduced, but the panels require space to articulate which may conflict with confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The panels articulate laterally to the sides rather than vertically behind the vehicle. This dimensional change redirects the opening path away from the rear space, effectively reducing the opening envelope behind the vehicle while still providing direct access to the cargo area floor.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate panels are extracted from the traditional vertical opening path and relocated to lateral positions beside the cargo bed. This extraction removes the panels from the rear space envelope during operation, eliminating the conflict between panel articulation space and confined rear spaces.
3Ease of operation
If the tailgate panels articulate to the side of the cargo bed, then direct access to the cargo area floor is provided, but the complexity of the articulation mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is segmented into multiple panels with simplified hinge connections to the cargo bed frame. Each panel articulates independently through basic hinge joints, avoiding the need for complex multi-panel coordination mechanisms while achieving direct access to the cargo area floor.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using complex mechanisms to lift panels vertically, the invention inverts the approach by using simple lateral articulation through hinges. This reversal of the opening direction simplifies the mechanism from complex vertical lifting to straightforward rotational movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate assembly including at least two tailate panels that both move between a closed position, a plurality of intermediate open positions, and a fully open position, where the tailgate panels selectively separate and articulate from the back of the cargo bed to the sides of the cargo bed. The tailate panels move out of the way to provide direct access to the cargo area floor. The tailate panels articulate in a small envelope of space, improving access to the rear in a confined space at the rear of the vehicle and reducing the risk of contacting objects that may be behind the vehicle.