Tailgate Deployable Steps Hinged Folding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for deployable steps that can easily attach to a truck's tailgate to facilitate entry and exit from the truck bed, while also being able to fold into a compact stowed position when not in use.
Innovation Solution
The deployable steps consist of a mounting plate, risers, treads, and hinges that attach to the tailgate, allowing the risers and treads to fold and unfold, forming steps between the truck bed and the ground when needed, and stacking parallel to each other and the tailgate when stowed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If steps are provided for entering and exiting the truck bed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The steps are divided into multiple individual components (treads and risers) connected by hinges, allowing each segment to be independently positioned. This segmentation enables the steps to be deployed only when needed while maintaining a compact form when stowed, resolving the contradiction between providing ease of operation and avoiding excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The steps transition from a static compact form to a dynamic deployed configuration through hinged connections. This dynamic capability allows the steps to adapt between two states: a space-efficient stowed position parallel to the tailgate and a functional deployed position forming steps, thereby improving ease of operation without permanently increasing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If steps are deployed to facilitate entry and exit, then ease of operation is improved, but volume occupied increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steps employ dynamic folding mechanisms that allow transition between a compact stowed configuration (parallel to the tailgate) and a deployed step configuration. This dynamic property enables the steps to occupy minimal volume during storage while providing full functionality when needed, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and volume occupied.
Solution Approach 2:
The treads and risers are arranged in a nested folding pattern where each component folds into the space created by adjacent components. This nesting arrangement minimizes the volume occupied when the steps are in the stowed position, while still allowing full deployment when required for easy entry and exit.
3Ease of operation
If multiple components are used to form steps, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steps consist of segmented treads and risers that can be manufactured independently and then assembled through simple hinge connections. This segmentation allows for simplified manufacturing of individual components while achieving the functional benefit of multi-component step structures, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple identical or similar components (treads and risers) are used throughout the structure, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes. The repetition of standardized components simplifies manufacturing despite the presence of multiple parts, as each component can be produced using the same methods and then assembled through the hinge system.
Data Source
AI summary
The deployable steps for a tailgate includes a mounting plate, a plurality of risers, a plurality of treads, and a plurality of hinges. The deployable steps for a tailgate may attach to a tailgate of a truck via the mounting plate. The plurality of risers and the plurality of treads may fold and unfold at the plurality of hinges. The plurality of risers and the plurality of treads may form steps when unfolded into a deployed position. When folded into a stowed position, the plurality of risers and the plurality of treads may be parallel to each other and may be parallel to the tailgate.