Tailgate Bracket Reducing Body Panel Flexure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate actuation systems in vehicles cause undesirable 'breathing effects' due to visible movement in outer body panels during operation, which current reinforcements fail to fully address while increasing complexity, cost, and mass.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system with a main body portion and an appendage that extends transversely to engage the vehicle body, reducing rotational deflection and lateral flexure by being monolithically formed, directly or indirectly connected, and using a thermally curable adhesive for precise alignment and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If reinforcements (brackets, supports) are added to reduce visible movement in outer body panels, then the breathing effect is reduced, but the complexity, cost, and mass of the vehicle increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket combines multiple functions into a single component: it supports the tailgate actuation system, reduces rotational deflection, prevents lateral flexure of the outer body panel, and eliminates the breathing effect. This merging of functions reduces overall system complexity compared to using separate reinforcement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a support structure for the actuation system, a reinforcement element to prevent panel deformation, and a stabilization component to eliminate visible movement. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If reinforcements are added to reduce visible movement in outer body panels, then the breathing effect is reduced, but the mass of the vehicle increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket applies reinforcement locally at the specific location where the tailgate actuation system is mounted, rather than reinforcing the entire vehicle body. This localized approach provides the necessary support to eliminate the breathing effect while minimizing additional mass throughout the vehicle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket may be constructed from composite materials or optimized metal alloys that provide high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing sufficient reinforcement to prevent panel deformation while minimizing the added mass compared to traditional solid reinforcement components.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If reinforcements are added to reduce visible movement in outer body panels, then the breathing effect is reduced, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a modular component that can be manufactured separately and assembled with the tailgate actuation system. This segmentation allows for standardized manufacturing processes, reduced tooling requirements, and easier production compared to custom-fitted reinforcement structures, thereby lowering overall cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket incorporates self-aligning features and integrated mounting elements that simplify installation and reduce the need for complex assembly procedures. This self-service capability during manufacturing reduces labor costs and production time, offsetting the added cost of the reinforcement component itself.
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
The bracket system effectively reduces or eliminates visible movement in outer body panels, simplifies assembly, reduces vehicle weight and cost, and enhances the fit, finish, and aesthetic appearance by stabilizing the tailgate actuation system during operation.
Implementation Method 1
The vehicle may further include an adhesive that is located between the appendage and the vehicle body to accommodate for manufacturing variations and reduce gapping between the bracket and the vehicle body
Implementation Method 2
The adhesive may be thermally curable to allow for repositioning of the bracket during connection to the vehicle body to increase precision in orientation of the bracket
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is disclosed that includes: a vehicle body having an outer body panel; a tailgate that is movable in relation to the vehicle body via a tailgate actuation system between a closed position and an open position; and a bracket that is configured to receive the tailgate actuation system. The bracket includes a main body portion and an appendage that extends transversely from the main body portion such that the appendage engages the vehicle body to inhibit rotational deflection of the tailgate actuation system and, thus, lateral flexure of the outer body panel during movement of the tailgate.