Multifunctional Tailgate and Cargo Winch Loading for Large Loads

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional tailgate doors on vehicles, such as trucks and SUVs, are limited in their ability to efficiently and safely load or offload large cargo due to fixed angles and heights, requiring additional equipment like ramps and lacking secure tie-down mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A multifunctional tailgate door that can rotate and adjust angles beyond 90 degrees, combined with a cargo bed load system featuring a winch and anchor system, allows for enhanced maneuverability and secure loading/unloading of cargo.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a traditional fixed-angle tailgate door is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the loading efficiency and maneuverability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading efficiencyVSAvoidtailgate door structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate door is transformed from a fixed-angle structure to a dynamic, multi-position system. The door can be positioned at multiple angles (including less than 90 degrees, greater than 90 degrees, and parallel to the ground) through a hinge mechanism and support struts, allowing it to adapt to different loading scenarios and improve loading efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate door is designed to perform multiple functions: it can serve as a traditional vertical barrier, an inclined ramp for loading, a horizontal platform, or a secured cargo barrier. This multi-functionality is achieved through the adjustable angle mechanism and integrated tie-down points, eliminating the need for separate ramps or loading equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If the tailgate door angle is fixed at 90 degrees, then the manufacturing is simple, but the ease of operation for loading large cargo is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of loading cargoVSAvoidtailgate door angle adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate door employs a dynamic positioning system with hinges and adjustable support struts that allow the door to be set at various angles. This enables the door to be optimized for different cargo types and loading conditions, significantly improving ease of operation for loading large or irregularly shaped items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate door's operational parameter (angle) is changed from a fixed 90 degrees to a variable range including acute angles (less than 90 degrees) for ramp access, obtuse angles (greater than 90 degrees) for extended clearance, and parallel positions for platform loading. This parameter variability directly enhances ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If additional equipment like ramps is used to assist loading, then the loading capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveloading capabilityVSAvoidoverall system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate door system merges the functions of the traditional tailgate, loading ramp, and cargo securing mechanism into a single integrated structure. The door itself can be positioned to form a ramp, and tie-down points are integrated into the door and cargo bed, eliminating the need for separate ramp equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate door serves as a universal loading platform that can function as a vertical barrier, an inclined ramp, or a horizontal surface. This multi-functionality consolidates multiple loading aids into one component, improving loading capability while avoiding the complexity of adding separate equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the tailgate door is opened wide to accommodate large cargo, then the loading access is improved, but the cargo security and stability are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecargo accessVSAvoidcargo security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic positioning of the tailgate door at various angles to accommodate different cargo sizes and shapes. Once the cargo is loaded, the door can be repositioned to a secure closed position with integrated tie-down points, providing both access during loading and security during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate door is designed with pre-positioned tie-down points and a mechanism that allows the door to be securely fastened in multiple positions. This preliminary preparation of securing mechanisms ensures that cargo can be securely tied down regardless of the door's final position, maintaining reliability after the door is opened for loading.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12447887B2Multifunctional tailgate door and cargo load system and multidirectional bumper apparatus with adaptable tow hitch receiver
Publication Date: 2025.10.21 KAINDL ROBERT
  • US12447887B2 patent drawing
  • US12447887B2 patent drawing
  • US12447887B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a multifunctional tailgate door and cargo load system that includes a multidirectional bumper apparatus with adaptable tow hitch receiver. The multifunctional tailgate door is adjacent to a cargo bed area having a rail system attached to the multifunctional tailgate door. The rail system having a linear actuator includes a rotary actuator hinge that enables the multifunctional tailgate door to function in a first direction and in a second direction. The multidirectional bumper apparatus is operable in a first direction and in a second direction, and may work in conjunction with the multifunctional tailgate door. The multifunctional tailgate door has at least one anchor that works in conjunction with the cargo load system. The cargo load system includes a plurality of ports in a rear cargo floor surface having a plurality of winches and at least one motor for securing a cargo load.