Swing and Drop Tailgate with Four-Bar Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicle tailgates typically offer limited mobility and access options, as they either protrude rearward when dropped or require significant clearance when side-hinged, failing to adapt conveniently to user needs.
Innovation Solution
A swing and drop tailgate assembly with a four-bar linkage mechanism that allows the tailgate to rotate and swing, providing multiple access trajectories, including a drop configuration and a swing configuration, controlled by actuators and latches for enhanced usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tailgate drops down to provide horizontal work space, then horizontal storage space is improved, but the tailgate protrudes rearward blocking the user from standing closer to the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate system transitions from a static single-position design to a dynamic multi-position system capable of both dropped and swung configurations. The four-bar linkage mechanism enables the tailgate to adapt its position based on user needs, providing horizontal space when dropped and proximity when swung, thus resolving the contradiction between storage capacity and user accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the tailgate uses a side-hinged motion to allow closer access, then user proximity to vehicle is improved, but significant clearance is required and horizontal space is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate assembly integrates multiple functions within a single system: it can operate in dropped mode for horizontal access, swung mode for vertical access, or combined modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate clearance requirements by allowing the tailgate to adapt its motion path based on the specific access need, providing both proximity and space when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-bar linkage mechanism provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the tailgate to switch between different motion trajectories. The system can dynamically adjust its configuration to provide either the clearance needed for side-hinged access or the horizontal space for dropped access, making the system versatile enough to handle both access scenarios without requiring permanent clearance.
3Device complexity
If a single trajectory tailgate motion is used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different user needs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate system is segmented into distinct functional components: the four-bar linkage mechanism for swing motion, the hinge mechanism for drop motion, and the control system with latches and actuators. This segmentation allows each component to handle a specific motion type while working together to provide multiple access trajectories, achieving adaptability without overwhelming complexity in any single mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system dynamically selects which motion mode to activate based on user input. The actuator-controlled latches can selectively enable either the four-bar linkage swing motion or the hinge drop motion, allowing the system to adapt to different user needs while maintaining a relatively simple underlying mechanical structure for each individual mode.
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 convenient access to cargo spaces by allowing the tailgate to drop down for horizontal space or swing down for closer access, improving user proximity and adaptability to different loading scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
the post assembly is configured to rotate about a first axis of the hinge relative to the vehicle
Implementation Method 2
The tailgate assembly includes at least one four-bar linkage, wherein the tailgate is configured to swing relative to the post assembly
Implementation Method 3
the tailgate assembly includes at least one torsion spring configured to provide a pre-load torque at at least one interface between two links of the at least one four-bar linkage
Implementation Method 4
the tailgate assembly includes at least one rotational dampener configured to dampen a motion of the at least one four-bar linkage
Implementation Method 5
the tailgate assembly includes at least one rotational dampener configured to dampen a motion about the hinge
Data Source
AI summary
A swing and drop tailgate is configured to undergo two distinct motions, each with advantages depending on circumstances. The swing and drop tailgate can undergo a rotation motion about a hinge, as well as a swing down motion via a linkage. The swing down motion allows closer access to the bed, and extends less far from the rear of the vehicle as compared to the drop motion. The motions may be manually controlled, or actuator controlled. One or more latches may constrain motion, or prevent, of the tailgate. A tailgate assembly may include a post assembly and a tailgate, that may move together as a rigid body when dropping, or move relative to one another when swinging.