Vertically Rotating Tailgate Inner-Handle Positioning Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing inner-handle structures for tailgates are inconvenient for short users, such as women, as they are positioned too high, and adjusting the opening angle to accommodate them can result in inconvenience for taller individuals when loading and unloading products.
Innovation Solution
A vertically rotatable inner-handle system comprising cylinders, pistons, a carrying bar, a motor, and a control module, which adjusts the handle's position based on the tailgate's state using springs and a pulley system, allowing easy grip regardless of user height without altering the opening angle, and includes a switch for accurate tailgate state detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate opening angle is decreased to lower the handle position, then short users can easily reach the handle, but tall users may hit their heads against the tailgate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of statically decreasing the tailgate opening angle, the invention dynamically adjusts the handle position relative to the tailgate. The handle can be positioned at different heights independent of the tailgate opening angle, allowing short users to access the handle easily while maintaining sufficient opening angle to prevent head injury for tall users
2Ease of operation
If an auxiliary ring with suspended string or cable is added to help short users, then short users can easily close the tailgate, but the appearance is degraded and loading/unloading becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides an integrated dynamic positioning solution built into the tailgate structure itself, eliminating the need for external auxiliary devices like suspended rings or cables. The handle automatically moves between positions based on tailgate state, maintaining clean appearance while providing accessibility for short users
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate system automatically detects its own state through integrated sensors and autonomously positions the handle at the appropriate height without requiring external auxiliary devices or manual intervention, thus maintaining appearance while solving the accessibility problem
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables short users to easily hold the inner-handle without adjusting the tailgate angle, preventing damage to motor components during sudden closure and ensuring rapid detection of the tailgate's open or closed state, thus enhancing usability for all users.
Implementation Method 1
springs inserted in the cylinders to apply elastic force in a direction in which the pistons protrude outwardly from the cylinders
Implementation Method 2
rotation force of the motor overcoming elastic force of the spring is transmitted through the wire when the motor is driven
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate inner-handle is vertically rotatably mounted and includes: cylinders having sliding holes formed in outer circumferential surfaces along a longitudinal direction; pistons inserted in the cylinders and having fitting holes; a handle mounted at one end of the piston; a carrying bar entering the cylinders through the sliding holes to be inserted in the fitting holes; a motor connected so as to slide the carrying bar; and a control module configured to apply power to the motor according to whether the tailgate is opened or closed. The inner-handle according to the present invention protrudes from the tailgate or returns to an original position according to an opening/closing state of the tailgate, so that a user may more easily and conveniently hold the inner-handle regardless of a height of the user without needing to adjust an opening angle of the tailgate.