Pivot Bracket Debris Mitigation Cover for Tailgate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multifunctional tailgates in vehicles are heavier than traditional systems, causing additional stress on pivot brackets, which can lead to the skewing of pivot pins and the entry of dust and debris into bushing assemblies, resulting in premature wear.

Innovation Solution

A pivot bracket assembly with a debris mitigation cover, comprising an exterior and interior polymeric piece that sandwiches the pivot arm and pivot pin connection, preventing dust and debris from entering the bushing assembly through recesses and tabs, and a sleeve with collars to secure the bushing assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a multifunctional tailgate is used to provide both closure and access functionality, then the versatility of the tailgate is improved, but the weight of the tailgate increases, causing additional stress on the pivot bracket and pivot pin

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetailgate functionalityVSAvoidtailgate weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate is divided into two separate doors that can pivot independently about horizontal and vertical axes, allowing each door to be opened or closed separately. This segmentation provides versatile access options while distributing the weight load across multiple pivot points rather than concentrating it on a single heavy structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If the pivot pin is subjected to additional stress from the heavier multifunctional tailgate, then the structural integrity is maintained, but the pivot pin becomes skewed away from the horizontal pivot axis, causing force on the bushing or bearing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivot bracket strengthVSAvoidpivot pin alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

A debris mitigation cover is installed beforehand to prevent dust and debris from entering the bushing assembly. This protective measure cushions the bushing against the harmful effects of particle contamination that would otherwise accelerate wear and degradation caused by the increased stress and slight misalignment from the heavier tailgate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Reliability

If dust and debris enter between the bushing and pivot pin due to skewed alignment, then the mechanical connection remains functional, but the bushing and pivot pin degrade over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepivot connection reliabilityVSAvoidbushing lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

A debris mitigation cover acts as an intermediary barrier between the external environment and the bushing assembly. This cover prevents dust and debris from entering the space between the bushing and pivot pin, thereby protecting the mechanical connection from contamination-induced degradation while maintaining its functional reliability over an extended period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11479307B2Pivot bracket debris mitigation cover

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 FCA US LLC

AI summary

A pivot bracket assembly having a pivot bracket configured to be fixed between a tailgate and a vehicle body. A pivot pin extends through the through-hole of the pivot bracket, and includes a first end configured to be attached to the tailgate and a second end. A pivot arm includes an aperture configured for receipt of the second end of the pivot pin, and a portion configured to be coupled to the vehicle body. A bushing assembly including a sleeve and at least one bushing positioned within the sleeve is positioned within the through-hole of the pivot bracket and the pivot pin extends through the sleeve and the bushing, wherein a debris mitigation cover is positioned between the pivot arm and the pivot bracket that is configured to minimize dust and/or debris from entering the bushing assembly.