Split Liftgate Privacy Panel Assembly for Wind and Cargo Shielding
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a solution to shield and partition areas within and near a vehicle effectively, particularly in cargo areas, while allowing for flexibility and functionality such as wind protection and privacy during outdoor events or camping.
Innovation Solution
A privacy panel assembly that can be secured to a split liftgate assembly of a vehicle, including a hanger bracket assembly engaging the vehicle's hinge assemblies, with fabric panels and adjustable braces, and vents for airflow, providing a secure and versatile solution for shielding and wind protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a privacy panel assembly is added to shield and partition areas within a vehicle, then privacy and wind protection are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The privacy panel assembly is divided into multiple panels (first panel, second panel) that can be separately secured to different liftgates. This segmentation allows the system to provide comprehensive privacy protection across multiple vehicle openings while maintaining modular complexity that is easier to manufacture and install compared to a single large assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The privacy panel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides privacy shielding, wind protection, and can be configured for different vehicle types (single or split liftgates) using the same basic design. The hanger bracket assembly can engage with various hinge configurations, making the solution universally applicable across different vehicle models without requiring custom designs for each application.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a privacy panel assembly is secured to both upper and lower liftgates of a split liftgate assembly, then shielding effectiveness is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly is segmented into upper and lower portions that can be independently installed on respective liftgates. This segmentation allows users to install or remove panels from individual liftgates without having to manipulate the entire assembly, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining comprehensive shielding when both panels are installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hanger bracket assembly serves as an intermediary component that simplifies the connection between the privacy panels and the vehicle's existing hinge assemblies. By engaging with the existing hinge structure, it provides a secure mounting point without requiring additional drilling or permanent modifications to the vehicle, making installation and removal easier.
3Strength
If fabric panels and braces are used in the privacy panel assembly, then shielding and structural integrity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly combines fabric panels with rigid brace structures to create a composite system that leverages the advantages of both materials. The fabric provides flexible privacy shielding that can conform to different positions, while the braces provide structural support and rigidity. This composite approach achieves high structural integrity without requiring a completely rigid complex framework.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of fabric panels as flexible shielding elements allows the privacy assembly to maintain structural integrity through the rigid braces while using thin, lightweight fabric for the actual privacy barrier. This reduces the overall complexity and weight compared to using solid rigid panels, while still providing effective shielding when the panels are in their deployed position.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle system, includes an upper liftgate of a split liftgate assembly, a lower liftgate of the split liftgate assembly, and a privacy panel assembly that extends between the upper liftgate and the lower liftgate. Another vehicle system includes a hanger bracket assembly configured to engage at least one hinge assembly of a vehicle, a liftgate assembly pivotably connected to the vehicle, and a privacy panel that is coupled to the hanger bracket assembly and the liftgate. A shielding method includes securing a privacy panel assembly to an upper liftgate of a split liftgate assembly of a vehicle, and securing the privacy panel assembly to a lower liftgate of the split liftgate assembly.