Segmented Tailgate with Central Opening for Fifth Wheel Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tailgates for pick-up trucks are inadequate as they require removal for fifth wheel trailer hitch operations, offer limited access, and lack versatility in opening positions, compromising structural strength and cargo security.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle tailgate assembly with a frame, support arms, and a door that can be rotated to various positions, including a working position with a central opening, allowing secure transportation and enhanced access, while remaining secured to the truck during trailer operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate is removed to permit access of the trailer's mating assembly to the bed-mounted hitch assembly, then access to the fifth wheel hitch is improved, but structural strength and cargo security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate door is segmented with a central opening that separates the door into functional zones. This segmentation allows the tailgate to maintain its structural integrity and remain attached to the truck while providing access to the fifth wheel hitch assembly through the opening, eliminating the need to remove the entire tailgate.
Solution Approach 2:
The central section of the tailgate door is extracted or removed to create an opening. This extracted portion allows direct access to the fifth wheel hitch assembly mounted in the truck bed, while the remaining door structure stays attached to the vehicle, maintaining structural strength and cargo security.
2Ease of operation
If the tailgate is completely opened to a dropped vertical position to facilitate access, then ease of operation is improved, but cargo security and structural stability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is designed with multiple latching positions that allow it to be held at various angles rather than being restricted to a single closed or fully open position. This dynamic positioning capability enables the tailgate to maintain structural stability while providing adequate access for cargo loading and user interaction.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a flexible or mesh tailgate is substituted for a solid tailgate to restrain materials during trailer hook-up, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength and cargo security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The solid tailgate with a central opening serves multiple functions: it maintains structural strength and cargo security when closed, provides access to the fifth wheel hitch through the opening, and allows various opening positions for different operational needs. This single design replaces the need for separate flexible or mesh tailgates.
4Ease of operation
If the tailgate is designed with a central opening to allow access to fifth wheel hitch, then ease of operation is improved, but cargo security may be worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate door is segmented with a centrally located opening that provides access to the fifth wheel hitch while the surrounding door structure remains intact. This segmentation allows cargo to be restrained by the solid portions of the door while still enabling hitch operations through the opening.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tailgate assembly comprises a frame with a transverse base and support arms extending perpendicularly therefrom adjacent distal ends of the base, a central section also extending perpendicularly from the base but to a lesser extent than the support arms, a door rotationally mounted to the frame between the support arms, the door being profiled with a central opening matching the central section and aligned therewith in a co-planar manner when the door is in a fully closed position, a mating portion comprising an indentation in the door adapted to mate with the central section when the door is rotated 180 degrees from the fully closed position to a working position to expose the central opening with the door co-planar with the frame.