Tailgate Cable Spool Mechanism for Intermediate Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tailgates in vehicles often require either full opening or full closing, which can lead to cargo vulnerability or cumbersome securing methods, especially when cargo exceeds the cargo area size and cannot be tied down effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a cable connected to a spool that can wind or unwind, with a cable release mechanism and button to toggle between engaged and unengaged states, allowing the tailgate to be adjusted to multiple positions between fully open and fully closed, thereby securing cargo more conveniently and safely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate is fully opened to accommodate oversized cargo, then cargo loading capacity is improved, but cargo security deteriorates as cargo becomes vulnerable to falling out
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate system transitions from static fully open/closed positions to dynamic adjustable positions. The spring-loaded spool mechanism allows the tailgate to be held at any intermediate position, enabling users to adjust the tailgate angle based on cargo size and security requirements, thus simultaneously achieving cargo accommodation and security.
2Reliability
If the tailgate is fully closed to secure cargo, then cargo security is improved, but cargo accessibility deteriorates requiring cumbersome tying down procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the binary closed/open state with continuous positional adjustment capability. Users can partially open the tailgate to accessible positions while maintaining security through the locking mechanism, eliminating the need to fully close and tie down cargo.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate position parameter is changed from discrete (fully open/closed) to continuous (any angle between 0-180 degrees). The spring-loaded spool mechanism enables precise positioning at any angle, allowing optimization of both security and accessibility based on specific cargo requirements.
3Device complexity
If conventional fully open/closed tailgate positions are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but cargo security and accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded spool mechanism is self-regulating and automatically maintains the tailgate at the desired position without requiring additional motors, actuators, or complex control systems. The spring tension naturally balances the tailgate weight, providing simple yet effective positional control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the positioning function from complex motorized systems and implements it through a simple mechanical spring-loaded spool mechanism. This extraction maintains system simplicity while achieving the desired functionality of adjustable tailgate positions for improved cargo security.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for adjusting a position of a tailgate of a vehicle. The system includes a cable connecting the tailgate to a spool configured to turn in a first direction to wind the cable, and turn in a second direction to unwind the cable. The system includes a cable release located between the spool and the tailgate, the cable release, when in the unengaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the first direction, and preventing movement of the cable through the cable release when force is applied to the cable from the tailgate, and the cable release, when in the engaged state, allowing the cable to move through the cable release when the spool turns in the second direction. The system includes a button configured to toggle the cable release between the engaged state and the unengaged state.