Vehicle Tailgate Cargo Stabilizer with Adaptive Fingers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for securing long cargo on vehicles, such as pick-up trucks and SUVs, are time-consuming and prone to failure, leading to rattling, damage, and safety hazards, and require storage when not in use, taking up space and risking loss.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle tailgate system comprising a base and top portion that can be attached to each other, with a bottom surface adapting to cargo shape and featuring sliding fingers that can be locked in place, using alignment rods and locks to secure the cargo.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps and tie-downs are used to secure cargo, then cargo can be fastened, but it is time-consuming and may come undone if not set up properly
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into a base portion and a top portion that can be separately assembled. The top portion includes multiple fingers that can independently adjust to different cargo shapes, allowing quick configuration without time-consuming strap adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers of the top portion automatically conform to the cargo shape when placed, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and setup time required by traditional straps and tie-downs.
2Reliability
If straps and tie-downs are used to secure cargo, then cargo can be fastened, but cargo may be rattling, damaged, and/or a safety hazard if not set up properly
Solution Approach 1:
The fingers automatically adjust to the cargo shape and provide uniform contact pressure, ensuring proper securing without manual intervention. This eliminates the risk of improper setup causing cargo damage or safety hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The fingers can change their position and orientation to match different cargo shapes and sizes, providing optimal contact and securing force for various cargo types, thereby preventing damage and safety issues.
3Reliability
If straps and tie-downs are used to secure cargo, then cargo can be fastened, but they require storage when not in use, taking up space and risking forgetting or losing them
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo securing mechanism is merged with the tailgate structure itself. The top portion with fingers is integrated into the tailgate, eliminating the need for separate straps and tie-downs that require storage space.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate serves multiple functions: it acts as both the closing barrier and the cargo securing mechanism. The fingers provide universal adaptability to different cargo types, replacing the need for specialized straps and tie-downs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed tailgate structure is used, then structure is simple, but it cannot adapt to varying cargo sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is segmented into a base portion and a top portion with multiple independent fingers. This segmentation allows the fingers to move and adjust independently to match different cargo shapes while maintaining an overall simple structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The top portion and fingers are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed. The fingers can move vertically to conform to different cargo heights and shapes, providing adaptability without requiring a complex adjustable mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tailgate configured to secure cargo and methods of using the same. The vehicle tailgate tray have a base portion. The base portion may have a top surface and be attachable to the vehicle. The vehicle tailgate may further have a top portion. The top portion may have a bottom surface and be attachable to the base portion. The top surface and the bottom surface may face each other and be configured to receive and fix the cargo when the top portion and the base portion are attached together. The bottom surface may be configured to adapt to a shape of the cargo.