Retractable Rear Gate Structure for Confined Cargo Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face challenges in accessing storage space due to limited rear gate opening capabilities in confined spaces and restricted access to the front under-hood area, particularly in electric vehicles where high voltage components are a safety concern.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle design featuring a retractable rear gate and a front storage module, where the rear gate can move into a cavity within the rear bumper, and a drawer system in the front can extend partially out of the vehicle body, both actuated by motors or manual mechanisms, with control units managing their operation to ensure safe and accessible storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the rear gate is designed to swing up and away from the vehicle, then the rear gate can be fully opened for cargo access, but the vehicle requires a large space above and behind it which is not available when parking in confined spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The rear gate changes its movement dimension from vertical swinging (requiring space above) to horizontal retracting (requiring space behind). The gate moves rearward along rails and stacks against the rear window, transforming the spatial requirement from vertical to horizontal dimension, enabling operation in confined parking spaces with limited vertical clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the gate moving away from the vehicle body (outward opening), the gate moves toward and stacks against the rear window (inward closing position). This inversion allows the gate to be fully accessible when open while utilizing the window cavity for storage when closed, eliminating the need for overhead space.
2Ease of operation
If the rear gate is designed to swing up, then cargo space is accessible, but the gate cannot be opened when parking in small parking lots or residential garages with low ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The gate movement is changed from vertical dimension (swinging up against ceiling) to horizontal dimension (retracting rearward along rails). This dimensional change allows the gate to achieve full cargo access without requiring vertical clearance, making it adaptable to confined parking spaces with low ceilings.
Solution Approach 2:
The gate system incorporates dynamic elements including electric actuators, rails, and a stacking mechanism that allows the gate to move along the rear window frame. This dynamic design enables the gate to adapt its position between fully open (for cargo access) and fully closed (stacked against window) states, providing versatility in confined spaces.
3Ease of operation
If the hood is made accessible for storage, then front storage space is available, but high voltage components in electric vehicles are exposed to users
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is extracted from the hood area and relocated to the rear gate window cavity. The window can be lowered into the gate, creating a secure storage compartment that is accessible from the rear of the vehicle. This extraction eliminates the need to open the hood for storage access, thereby protecting users from high voltage components while providing convenient front storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The window nests within the rear gate cavity when lowered, creating a storage compartment. The storage space is nested within the existing vehicle structure (the window cavity) rather than requiring a separate hood opening, providing secure storage that protects both contents and users from high voltage areas.
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present disclosure is directed to a vehicle comprising a vehicle body comprising a rear bumper; and a rear end module coupled to the rear of the vehicle body, the rear end module comprising: a rear window, and a rear gate, wherein the rear window is configured to move from a closed position to an open position within a cavity of the rear gate, and the rear gate is configured to move from a closed position to an opening position within a cavity formed by the rear bumper.