Spare Tire Support Device for Tailgate Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with rear tailgate mounted spare tires, such as SUVs, suffer structural and aesthetic damage due to the increased weight of large tires and wheels, as current solutions like new rear bumpers and stiffening brackets are costly, inadequate, or unworkable.
Innovation Solution
A spare tire support device featuring a support member mounted to the vehicle body or hitch receiver, a tire contact roller, and a positioning assembly to position the tire contact under the spare tire, providing adjustable support and reducing stress on the tailgate hinges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rear tailgate mounted spare tire is used, then vehicle utility and accessibility are improved, but structural damage and aesthetic damage worsen due to increased weight
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is divided into separate components: a support member that attaches to the vehicle body or hitch receiver, and a roller that contacts the tire. This segmentation allows the weight-bearing function to be separated from the tailgate structure, preventing structural damage while maintaining tire accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
A support member acts as an intermediary between the vehicle body and the spare tire, transferring the tire's weight to the vehicle frame or hitch receiver rather than allowing it to be borne solely by the tailgate hinges. This mediator prevents harmful forces from directly affecting the tailgate structure.
2Strength
If new rear bumpers with integrated tire mounts are used, then structural support is improved, but cost and device complexity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to be adjustable, allowing it to accommodate different tire sizes and vehicle models. This dynamic adaptability provides robust structural support without requiring a completely new rigid bumper design, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member can attach to either the vehicle body or the hitch receiver, providing multiple mounting options. This multi-functionality allows a single device to provide structural support across different vehicle configurations without requiring multiple specialized components.
3Strength
If stiffening brackets are used, then structural strength is improved, but ease of installation and cost worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed with pre-drilled holes and mounting features that align with standard vehicle frame locations and hitch receivers. This preliminary preparation of mounting points simplifies the installation process, allowing users to install the support system without complex fabrication or specialized tools.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a support device is added, then load distribution and reduction of tailgate damage are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The roller component is designed to automatically position itself under the spare tire when the tailgate is opened, requiring no active control or complex adjustment mechanisms. The device supports itself through its geometric design and gravity-assisted positioning, minimizing the need for additional control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A spare tire support device for providing extra support to an existing spare tire mounted to a vehicle tailgate. The support device is mounted to the vehicle body/frame or existing tow hitch receiver and is positioned under the spare tire to aid in supporting the load thereof.