Vehicle Tailgate Clevis Bracket Sag Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-functional tailgates in pick-up trucks experience sag issues when unlatched and pivoted about the vertical axis due to inadequate adaptation of the latching assembly, leading to operational challenges and inefficiencies in assembly processes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a clevis bracket with opposing wedges that align and restrict movement of the striker, combined with adjustable tapping plates and an insertion tool, ensures proper alignment and reduces sag by allowing for precise positioning and adjustment during assembly, eliminating the need for shims and improving the operational feel and durability of the tailgate doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-functional tailgate is unlatched and pivoted about the vertical axis, then the door can rotate independently for enhanced functionality, but the door becomes vulnerable to sag due to the latching assembly being unable to adapt
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis bracket is designed with movable components including a slider that can shift position and opposing wedges that can adjust their configuration. This dynamic structure allows the latching assembly to adapt to the door's movement during vertical axis rotation while maintaining proper alignment and preventing sag through the coordinated action of the adjustable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The opposing wedges in the clevis bracket can change their positional parameters and angular orientation to accommodate the door's rotation about the vertical axis. By adjusting these parameters, the latching assembly maintains proper geometric relationships and prevents sag while enabling the multi-functional rotation capability.
2Device complexity
If traditional latching assemblies are used in multi-functional tailgates, then the structure is simpler, but the assembly process requires shims and multiple adjustment attempts
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis bracket incorporates pre-configured opposing wedges and alignment features that are designed to automatically self-align during installation. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for shims and multiple adjustment attempts, allowing the latching assembly to be installed correctly in a single attempt and significantly reducing assembly time.
3Strength
If the clevis bracket uses fixed positioning, then the structure is more rigid, but it cannot align properly with the striker during assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The clevis bracket employs a dynamic positioning system with a slider mechanism that allows temporary movement during assembly for proper alignment with the striker. Once aligned, the structure locks into a rigid fixed position, maintaining both the ease of alignment during installation and the structural rigidity for operational strength.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tailgate (30) has a frame (40) with a cross beam (42) and a pair of side beams (44, 46). One side beam (44, 46) extends from each end of the cross beam (42). A first metal tapping plate (50, 150) is secured with the cross beam (42). At least one elongated tang (56) is positioned between the body (52) and each tab (54). A clevis bracket (82) is positioned on the side beams (44, 46). An overmolded (108) material is on the shaft (100, 102) and the two heads (96, 98) of the striker (88). The wedges (92, 94), on the clevis bracket (82), aligns the clevis bracket (82) with the striker (84). A second tapping plate (70) is secured to the sheet metal.