Tailgate Cargo Extender with Stowed Folding Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo area extenders require separate components that occupy storage space when not in use, reducing usable cargo area space, and lack a convenient, space-efficient deployment mechanism for work surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate with hingedly connected posts that translate between stowed and deployed positions, supporting a folding cargo area extender that can be stowed within the tailgate and quickly deployed as a planar work surface, using lockable hinges and pins for secure configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If a separate cargo area extender component is placed on the lowered tailgate, then the effective length of the cargo area is extended, but the component occupies storage space when not in use and must be stored apart from the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo area extender is stowed within a cavity formed in the tailgate, nesting the extender component inside the tailgate structure itself. This eliminates the need for separate storage space while maintaining the ability to deploy the extender when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both the closure for the cargo area and as the storage location for the cargo area extender. The cavity in the tailgate is specifically designed to hold the extender, making the tailgate a multi-functional component.
2Ease of operation
If a cargo area extender is carried in the vehicle cargo area, then the extender is readily available, but the amount of usable space in the vehicle cargo area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The extender is nested within the tailgate cavity, not occupying cargo area space. This allows the extender to be readily available in the tailgate while maintaining full usable space in the cargo area.
3Ease of operation
If a work surface is associated with or carried in the truck cargo area, then work surfaces are conveniently available for performing tasks, but the space usable for carrying other items is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo area extender is designed to serve dual functions: it extends the cargo area when placed on the lowered tailgate, and it serves as a work surface when deployed with panel-supporting posts. This eliminates the need for separate work surface equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The work surface functionality is nested within the cargo area extender structure. When the extender is deployed with the panel-supporting posts, it provides a convenient work surface without occupying cargo area storage space.
4Volume of moving object
If a folding cargo area extender is stowed within the tailgate, then storage space efficiency is improved, but the deployment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cargo area extender is divided into multiple sections that can fold relative to each other. This segmentation allows the extender to be compact when stowed in the tailgate cavity and easily deployed when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The extender transitions from a static, compact stowed position within the tailgate to a dynamic, deployed configuration that extends the cargo area or provides a work surface. The folding mechanism allows smooth transition between states.
Data Source
AI summary
A work surface apparatus for a vehicle cargo area includes a tailgate including at least two panel-supporting posts adapted for translating between a stowed position and a substantially horizontal deployed position to hold a work surface and a cargo area extender configurable for supporting in a substantially planar configuration by the deployed at least two panel-supporting posts. The cargo area extender may be defined by a folding panel. The folding panel may be defined by hingedly connected sections and may be stowed within a portion of the tailgate.