Pivotable Tailgate With Negative Pivot Angle
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pivotable tailgates for motor vehicles have a limited design and functionality, where the first and second tailgate elements are oriented in opposite directions when open, resulting in a less aesthetically pleasing appearance and reduced space utilization, with the opening height being insufficient for parking in garages or underground lots.
Innovation Solution
The second tailgate element is arranged at a negative pivot angle greater in its non-pivoted state than in its pivoted state, allowing both elements to extend in the same direction when open, providing a different aesthetic and increasing the opening height by configuring the pivot angle to be around 75° in the non-pivoted state and 55° in the pivoted state, with the option for manual or automated operation using a spindle or rotary drive and a locking mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If the second tailgate element is arranged at a negative pivot angle greater in the non-pivoted state than in the pivoted state, then the aesthetic appearance and space utilization are improved, but the device complexity increases due to the specialized hinge mechanism required to achieve the negative pivot angle
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into two separate elements (first tailgate element and second tailgate element) that can pivot independently. This segmentation allows the second element to be positioned at a negative pivot angle relative to the first element, creating the desired aesthetic appearance and space utilization without requiring the entire tailgate to be redesigned as a complex single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism is designed to allow dynamic adjustment of the second tailgate element's position. The negative pivot angle is achieved through a dynamic hinge configuration that enables the second element to pivot to a specific angle range (where the magnitude of the pivot angle in the non-pivoted state is greater than in the pivoted state), providing both aesthetic benefit and functional flexibility.
2Length of moving object
If the first and second tailgate elements are oriented in the same direction when open, then the opening height is increased for parking in garages, but the space required for the tailgate to pivot may increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of pivoting the second tailgate element in a simple arc that requires significant lateral space, the hinge mechanism is designed to accommodate movement in multiple dimensions. The negative pivot angle configuration allows the element to orient in the same direction as the first element when open, maximizing vertical opening height while managing the spatial footprint through multi-dimensional movement rather than simple planar rotation.
3Volume of moving object
If the pivot angle is configured to be around 75° in the non-pivoted state and 55° in the pivoted state, then the space-efficient design is achieved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to maintain the specific angle ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is designed with specific geometric parameters that define the negative pivot angle. By carefully selecting and maintaining certain dimensional parameters of the hinge components, the system achieves the desired angle ranges (75° ± 15° in non-pivoted state, 55° ± 15° in pivoted state) without requiring extreme manufacturing precision, as the parameter ranges provide acceptable tolerances.
Data Source
AI summary
In order to improve comfort when loading a motor vehicle which has a pivotable tailgate with a first tailgate element and a second tailgate element arranged thereon, the first tailgate element has a first region which can be mounted so as to be pivotable about a first pivoting axis arranged in the upper region of the vehicle body. The first tailgate element has a second region which lies opposite its first region and on which a second pivoting axis is arranged. The second tailgate element has a first region which is mounted so as to be pivotable about the second pivoting axis. The second tailgate element has a second region which lies opposite its first region and can be locked to a lower region of the vehicle body. At the second pivoting axis there is a pivoting angle between the first tailgate element and the second tailgate element with a positive rotational direction from the second tailgate element in the direction of the first tailgate element. The second tailgate element is arranged at a negative pivoting angle with respect to the first tailgate element, the absolute value of which pivoting angle is larger in the non-pivoted state of the second tailgate element than in its pivoted state.