Tailgate Cable Support and Bracket for Secondary Position
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate systems for vehicles lack a simple and effective mechanism to support the tailgate in a secondary position between fully open and closed positions, often requiring complex and specialized components, which can lead to unauthorized removal or instability when supporting loads.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate assembly with a cable device and bracket system that allows the tailgate to pivot between closed, fully open, and secondary positions, using a cable device with connectors and a bracket to secure the tailgate in place, including a hook-shaped finger portion to prevent removal and support loads by aligning with wheel wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cable device with multiple positions is used to support the tailgate, then the tailgate can be held in secondary position, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vehicle connector is designed to perform multiple functions by coupling to different locations on the vehicle body. The same connector structure supports both the fully open position (first position) and secondary position (second position), eliminating the need for separate specialized components for each position.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system is divided into distinct functional components: the cable device for tension support and the bracket for positional support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while working together to provide versatile tailgate positioning without excessive complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the tailgate can be easily removed for access, then ease of operation improves, but security and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed with dynamic characteristics that adapt to different operational states. The bracket engages with the tailgate pivot assembly to provide security when needed, but allows for controlled movement and removal when required, balancing security and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If the bracket extends circumferentially about the pivot axis, then prevention of unauthorized removal improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is integrated with the tailgate pivot assembly, combining the security function with the existing pivot mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate complex locking structures while maintaining unauthorized removal prevention through the circumferential extension of the bracket.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes, among other things, a tailgate configured to pivot relative to a vehicle body between a closed position, a fully open position, and a secondary position that is between the closed position and the fully open position. The assembly further includes a cable device having a tailgate connector and a vehicle connector. The tailgate connector is coupled to the tailgate. The vehicle connector couples to a sidewall of the vehicle in first position to support the tailgate in the fully open position. The vehicle connector couples to the sidewall of the vehicle in a second position to support the tailgate in a secondary position. The first position is vertically below the second position. The assembly still further includes a bracket that blocks removal of the tailgate from the vehicle body when the tailgate is in the fully open position and when the tailgate is in the secondary position.