Stow-away Tailgate Pivot Mechanism for Cargo Space Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vehicle tailgates pose safety and space issues when heavy loads are being loaded or unloaded, as they must be removed, leading to potential damage and reduced cargo area flexibility, and they create drag affecting fuel economy.
Innovation Solution
A stowable cargo area closure system where the tailgate is hingedly connected to pivot into a receiver within the cargo area, allowing it to be stowed vehicle-rearwardly or vehicle-forwardly, eliminating the need for removal and preserving space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tailgate is removed from the vehicle, then safety is improved and cargo area flexibility is improved, but the tailgate is at risk of damage and is not available for use at the destination
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is nested within a receiver compartment located in the cargo area, allowing it to be stored securely within the vehicle structure rather than being removed entirely. This nesting arrangement protects the tailgate from damage while keeping it available for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate system is segmented into the tailgate itself and a separate receiver compartment, allowing independent functionality. The tailgate can be stored in the receiver when not needed, but quickly deployed when required, resolving the contradiction between safety and availability.
2Reliability
If the tailgate is placed in the vehicle cargo area or passenger cabin, then it is protected from damage, but available space for other items is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver is designed as a nested compartment within the existing cargo area structure, specifically utilizing the space behind the cargo area. This allows the tailgate to be stored protected within the vehicle without encroaching on the usable cargo space where items need to be placed.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver compartment is positioned in a different spatial dimension - specifically in the rearward portion of the cargo area behind the main load floor. This dimensional placement allows tailgate storage without reducing the horizontal cargo space available for transporting items.
3Ease of operation
If the tailgate is placed in the pickup truck bed, then it is easily accessible, but it risks damage and may dislodge causing harm to other vehicles
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is nested within a dedicated receiver compartment that provides secure containment. This prevents the tailgate from dislodging and causing harm to other vehicles while still being easily accessible through the compartment cover mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver compartment provides a pre-prepared secure storage location that cushions and protects the tailgate from damage risks associated with placing it directly in the truck bed. The compartment structure prevents inadvertent dislodging before the tailgate is needed.
4Ease of operation
If the tailgate remains in the upright position, then it is readily available for use, but it creates drag reducing fuel economy
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate system is made dynamic, allowing it to be in different states - stored in the receiver when not needed to improve aerodynamics and fuel economy, and quickly deployed to the upright position when availability is required. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between fuel efficiency and accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A closure assembly for a vehicle includes a closure hingedly connected to a vehicle-rearmost portion of a cargo area and adapted to pivot into a receiver provided in a portion of the cargo area. The receiver may be provided in a portion of a cargo area load floor or in a portion of a cargo area sidewall. The closure may include a bottom hinge and/or a side hinge, adapted to pivot the closure both vehicle-rearwardly and vehicle-forwardly. A cover may be provided to hide the closure in the stowed configuration.