Tailgate Collapsible Door Nesting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate solutions with removable or hinged central sections either result in discontinuities in the tailgate surface, reduce truck bed capacity, or limit access, making them inconvenient and potentially damaging.
Innovation Solution
An integrated collapsible door system within the tailgate, utilizing rotatable cam elements and rods to adjust the spacing between walls, allowing the door section to be fully retracted into the tailgate cavity, maintaining a smooth surface when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a central section is removed, hinged, or slid horizontally, then access to the cargo area is improved, but the tailgate surface becomes discontinuous and the truck bed capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The door section is nested within the tailgate body when closed, with the inboard wall receiving into the tailgate's inner wall cavity and the outboard wall receiving into the tailgate's outer wall cavity. This nesting arrangement allows the door to be stored within the tailgate structure itself, maintaining a smooth continuous surface while still providing access when opened.
Solution Approach 2:
The door section moves from a two-dimensional planar position in the closed state to a three-dimensional retracted position within the tailgate cavities when opened. This dimensional transition allows the door to be fully retracted into the tailgate body, eliminating surface discontinuities while preserving access functionality.
2Ease of operation
If a central section is hinged inboard, then access to the rear of the truck bed is improved, but the truck bed capacity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The door section is nested within the tailgate body cavities when closed, effectively removing it from the truck bed volume. This nesting arrangement preserves the full truck bed capacity while still allowing the door to be opened for access to the rear of the bed when needed.
3Ease of operation
If a central section is slid horizontally, then access to the cargo area is improved, but the external dimensions of the central section must be less than or greater than the tailgate body, resulting in discontinuities
Solution Approach 1:
The door section is nested within the tailgate body when closed, with both the inboard and outboard walls receiving into corresponding cavities in the tailgate. This nesting eliminates the need for the door to be smaller or larger than the tailgate body, maintaining a smooth continuous surface while preserving access functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The door section transitions from a planar position to a retracted three-dimensional position within the tailgate cavities. This dimensional change allows the door to be fully integrated into the tailgate body structure, eliminating surface discontinuities while maintaining full access capability when opened.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables seamless integration of the door section within the tailgate, preserving the truck bed's capacity and access while providing a continuous, aesthetically pleasing and functional tailgate contour.
Implementation Method 1
the means to vary the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall comprising at least one rotatable cam element located within the door section
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tailgate with an integrated collapsible door comprises a tailgate having an outer wall, an inner wall and a cavity there between, a door section located in an upper portion of the tailgate having an inboard wall and an outboard wall and being moveable between a closed position and an open position substantially within an envelope of the tailgate, the door section comprising means to vary the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall, the means to vary the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall comprising at least one rotatable cam element located within the door section, such that when the door section is in the closed position the inboard wall is flush with the inner wall and the outboard wall is flush with the outer wall and when the door section is in the open position the spacing between the inboard wall and the outboard wall is reduced to allow a portion of the door section to be received in the cavity.