Recessed Tailgate Ladder With Two-Step Access and Flush Appearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective climbing systems for accessing the elevated tailgates of pickup trucks and large SUVs, particularly for individuals of shorter stature or those with mobility issues, without compromising the appearance of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
The Tailgate Ladder System (TLS) consists of a Ladder Casing, a retractable two-stepped Tailgate Ladder, and a flexible Three Point Rail. This system allows for easy access to elevated tailgates without affecting the outer appearance of the vehicle, as it is housed within a recessed area and deploys from the inside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a climbing system is added to access elevated tailgates, then accessibility for shorter individuals and those with mobility issues is improved, but the outer appearance of the tailgate is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder system is nested within a recessed casing that is integrated into the tailgate structure. When closed, the ladder fits completely within the recessed area, maintaining a flush surface that preserves the tailgate's outer appearance. The ladder can be deployed from this nested position when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the ladder extend outward from the tailgate (which would compromise appearance), the design inverts the approach by recessing the ladder into the tailgate body. The ladder emerges from the recessed area rather than protruding, reversing the conventional external mounting approach.
2Device complexity
If a single-step ladder is used, then the structure is simple, but it creates large steps that are difficult for frail individuals to climb
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder is divided into two separate steps rather than using a single step. This segmentation creates smaller, more manageable climbing increments that reduce strain on joints and make the ladder accessible to frail individuals, children, and those with mobility limitations.
3Ease of operation
If the ladder opens from the outside of the tailgate, then it is easy to deploy, but it significantly affects the outer appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The ladder opening direction is inverted from the conventional external opening to an internal opening from the recessed area. The ladder deploys from within the recessed casing rather than from the outer surface, maintaining a clean exterior appearance while still allowing easy deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
The Tailgate Ladder System (TRS) which is the only two stepped folding Tailgate Ladder in existence to date, that is comprised of a Ladder Casing, a rotating, aftermarket and sliding Tailgate Ladder, and a Three Point Rail. Together they form a climbing system which make accessing and climbing to an elevated Tailgate of a vehicle much easier. The Ladder Casing is recessed and it support and housed a closed Tailgate Ladder within its walls. The Tailgate Ladder is retractable, and has two folding Steps which open to give access to the climber, and close when not in use. The Three Point Rail is a flexible hand rail which give the climber a sturdy support. These three components of the TLS, combine to create a climbing system that is second to none, which give climbers a two stepped Ladder System, that with small steps, the rear of a pickup can be assessed.