Pickup Tailgate Assembly for Bed-Free Loading and Unloading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pickup trucks require stepping onto the flat bed for loading and unloading, which is inconvenient, and there is no combination of 100% electric and 100% compressed air propulsion systems in vehicles.
Innovation Solution
Design of an electric pickup truck with a flat bed that can be easily loaded and unloaded without stepping inside, featuring a compressed air engine that powers DC alternators or DC generators, and includes a unique battery storage system with replaceable battery packs that can be swapped in under 15 minutes, along with an independent electric water heating and cooling system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pickup truck design is used, then the vehicle structure is simple, but loading and unloading requires stepping inside the flat bed which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate assembly includes fold-down side panels (52, 52A) and a main gate section (24) that can be independently positioned. Electric motors (112, 112A, 120, 120A) control each segment separately, enabling the tailgate to create level access surfaces for loading and unloading cargo without requiring the operator to step onto the flat bed
Solution Approach 2:
Electric motors (112, 112A, 120, 120A) are integrated into the tailgate assembly to automatically lift, fold, and position the side panels and main gate. This motorized system replaces manual operation, allowing the tailgate to create level access surfaces without requiring the operator to step inside the flat bed
2Adaptability or versatility
If 100% electric propulsion system is used, then the vehicle is environmentally friendly, but there is no combination with compressed air propulsion systems in existing vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle includes both an electric motor (48) for primary propulsion and a compressed air engine (544) that can be activated to extend driving range. The system also includes DC alternators or generators (546A, 546C, 546D) that can be driven by the compressed air engine to recharge battery packs, creating a versatile propulsion system that can operate in multiple modes (electric-only, compressed air-only, or hybrid)
Solution Approach 2:
DC alternators or generators (546A, 546C, 546D) are driven by the compressed air engine to convert mechanical energy into electrical energy, recharging the battery packs. This intermediary system allows the compressed air engine to indirectly power the electric motor by replenishing battery energy reserves
3Loss of time
If battery packs are made replaceable for quick swapping, then maintenance time is reduced, but the battery storage system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The battery storage system contains multiple replaceable battery packs (80, 82) that can be independently removed from the storage box (78). Each battery pack has integrated electrical connections that automatically engage with the storage box, enabling quick replacement without complex disconnection procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The battery storage box (78) is pre-configured with electrical connection panels (76) and locking mechanisms. When battery packs are inserted into the storage box, the electrical connections are automatically made and the packs are securely locked into position, enabling rapid replacement without manual wiring or complex assembly steps
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy loading and unloading without entering the flat bed, combines 100% electric and 100% compressed air propulsion, and allows for quick battery pack replacement and efficient energy management, enhancing vehicle functionality and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a compressed air engine that drives the recharging systems/DC alternators or DC generators
Implementation Method 2
The vehicle is 100% electric with an electric motor (48), plus has a compressed air engine (544) that can be activated to extend driving range
Data Source
AI summary
Pickup trucks with an internal combustion engine (ICE), all electric, hybrid, plug in hybrid, must walk on loading flat bed, to load or unload, two stationary side walls, one-fold down tail gate, two taillights one on each side at the rear next to the fold down tail gate. With two full doors, with two full doors and with two smaller rear doors, or four full doors. It takes less compressed clean air to drive the DC alternators or DC generators from the compressed clean air engine. Also, the vehicle does drive 100% electric. A combination 100% electric and 100% compressed clean air system. No other vehicle has this kind of system.