Retractable Tailgate Light Assembly with Pivot Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles require effective illumination around the tailgate area for tasks like reversing, but existing light solutions are either limited in coverage or aesthetically undesirable when constantly exposed.
Innovation Solution
A retractable light assembly for vehicle tailgates, featuring a housing pivotally coupled to the tailgate, a light source, and a locking mechanism, allowing the light to be stowed within the tailgate when not in use, with a pivot mechanism and damping system for smooth movement and an electronic control unit for automatic activation/deactivation based on vehicle state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light assembly is constantly exposed at the rear of the vehicle, then illumination is always available, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between an extended illuminated state and a retracted stowed state. The housing pivots on a pivot axis to move between these two positions, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational needs versus aesthetic requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The light assembly housing is designed to nest within the tailgate structure when in the stowed position. The housing contains the light source and can be positioned within a recess or cavity in the tailgate, allowing the light assembly to be stored inside the overall vehicle structure when not in use, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance.
2Shape
If a retractable light assembly is implemented, then aesthetic appearance is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light assembly is divided into separate functional components: the housing that contains the light source, the pivot mechanism that enables movement, and the locking mechanism that maintains position. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall design by breaking down the complex retractable function into manageable sub-systems.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the housing and the tailgate, providing a simple binary state (locked/unlocked) that controls the retractable motion. This intermediary component simplifies the control system by providing clear positional states without requiring complex continuous control mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A light assembly for a tailgate of a vehicle, including a housing, and a light source. The housing is pivotally coupled to the tailgate for movement of the housing between a use positon and a stowed position. The light source is coupled to the housing. In the use position the light source is positioned outside of the tailgate. In the stowed position the light source is positioned within the tailgate.