Retractable Tailgate Pulling Element for Grip Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate closing mechanisms are difficult for shorter users to operate due to the high placement of the grip, and there is a risk of the pulling cord or strap getting trapped or soiled when closing the tailgate, leading to potential damage or entrapment of loads.
Innovation Solution
A flexible elongated pulling element with a grip portion that extends downward from the inner face of the tailgate, coupled with a retraction device that automatically pulls the grip portion closer to the tailgate when it is closed, preventing trapping and ensuring the grip is accessible at a comfortable height for users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pulling cord or strap is fastened to the tailgate to extend downward for easy reaching, then the grip accessibility is improved for shorter users, but the pulling cord may be inadvertently trapped between the tailgate and vehicle body or by shifting loads, causing soiling or damage
Solution Approach 1:
The pulling element transitions from a static fixed-length cord to a dynamic retractable system. The retraction device allows the pulling element to extend when needed for user access and automatically retract when the tailgate approaches closed position, adapting its length and position based on operational requirements to prevent trapping while maintaining accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The retraction device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the tailgate closure system. It mediates the conflict between needing a long pulling element for accessibility and needing it short/retracted to prevent trapping, by automatically controlling the element's extension and retraction based on tailgate position
2Device complexity
If the grip protrudes only slightly from the tailgate inner face, then the tailgate structure remains simple, but the grip becomes difficult to reach for shorter users
Solution Approach 1:
The grip transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic extended position. The retractable pulling element allows the grip to extend downward to an easily accessible position during operation while retracting close to the tailgate surface when not in use, maintaining structural simplicity while dramatically improving accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The grip accessibility problem is solved by adding temporal and positional dimensions. Instead of a fixed spatial position, the grip moves through space and time - extending downward when the tailgate is open for easy reaching, and retracting when closed - transforming a static structural limitation into a dynamic operational solution
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate subassembly for a vehicle includes a tailgate and a flexible elongated pulling element. In an open position of the tailgate, the flexible elongated pulling element extends downwardly at least partially from a starting region on an inner face of the tailgate and on the end side comprises a grip portion for a user. In order to provide improved means for closing a tailgate of a vehicle, the elongated pulling element is coupled to a retraction device which is designed to pull up the grip portion in the direction of the starting region when the tailgate is moved into a closed position.