Pivotable Vehicle Mid-Gate With Secure Glass Panel Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mid-gates in vehicles, such as pickup trucks, are often fixed or have limited adjustability, making it difficult to accommodate larger objects like kayaks, and the glass panel is not securely stored, risking damage during transport.
Innovation Solution
A selectively pivotable mid-gate system with a dual-action hinge and latch mechanism allows the mid-gate to rotate bi-directionally, incorporating a glass panel receiving zone and flanges for secure storage, enabling the mid-gate to fold forward or rearward to adapt to different cargo sizes and protect the glass panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the mid-gate is fixed or has limited adjustability, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the ability to accommodate larger objects like kayaks is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mid-gate is divided into two separate members (first mid-gate member and second mid-gate member) that can pivot independently relative to each other and to the vehicle. This segmentation allows each member to be positioned independently, enabling the gate to accommodate various object sizes and shapes while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The mid-gate members are made dynamically adjustable through pivotable connections with independent rotation capabilities. The first mid-gate member can rotate relative to the vehicle, and the second mid-gate member can rotate relative to both the vehicle and the first member, providing continuous adaptability for different cargo configurations
2Adaptability or versatility
If the glass panel is removed and stored against the mid-gate with rear seats upright, then the glass panel is protected from damage, but the mid-gate opening is limited and cannot accommodate objects like kayaks
Solution Approach 1:
The glass panel storage solution moves from a two-dimensional space (against the mid-gate) to a three-dimensional integrated receiving zone within the mid-gate structure itself. The glass panel receiving zone is formed by surfaces of the first mid-gate member, providing an enclosed volumetric storage space that protects the glass while allowing full mid-gate articulation for accommodating large objects
3Reliability
If the glass panel receiving zone is integrated into the mid-gate structure, then the glass panel is securely stored and protected, but the mid-gate structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The glass panel receiving zone is merged with the first mid-gate member structure, using its surfaces (first surface, second surface, third surface) to form the receiving zone boundaries. This integration combines the structural support function with the glass storage function in a single component, enhancing reliability while avoiding the need for separate glass storage mechanisms that would increase complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A selectively pivotable mid-gate for a vehicle includes a first mid-gate member pivotally mounted to the vehicle through a hinge member and a second mid-gate member is pivotally mounted to the vehicle and the first mid-gate member through the hinge member. A latch system is operatively connected to the first mid-gate member and the second mid-gate member. The latch system is selectively operable to release the first mid-gate member to rotate in a first direction and to release the first mid-gate member and the second mid-gate member to rotate in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.