Tailgate Divider Support for Overhanging Truck Bed Cargo
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle cargo securing systems, such as straps and tie-downs, are time-consuming to set up, prone to failure during transport, and require storage, leading to potential cargo damage or loss, especially when hauling long or bulky items.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate support system with pop-up dividers and a rear support system that provide vertical and lateral stabilization, allowing for secure cargo retention without additional straps or tie-downs, featuring apertures and dividers on the tailgate and adjustable locking mechanisms for customizable height settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If straps and tie-downs are used to secure cargo, then cargo can be fastened, but setup is time-consuming and they may come undone during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The dividers are pre-installed in the tailgate apertures, ready for immediate use. When needed, the dividers are simply pulled out to the required position and locked, eliminating the time-consuming process of assembling and adjusting straps and tie-downs during cargo loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism automatically secures the divider in place when pulled out, providing self-securing functionality without requiring manual tying or fastening operations. The system serves itself by maintaining constant readiness through the spring-loaded or gravity-assisted locking action.
2Reliability
If straps and tie-downs are used to secure cargo, then cargo can be fastened, but they require storage space and risk being forgotten or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged directly into the tailgate structure through integrated apertures and dividers. The tailgate itself becomes the securing system, eliminating the need for separate straps, tie-downs, and their associated storage requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate apertures and dividers serve multiple functions: structural support for the tailgate, cargo securing mechanism, and adjustable positioning system. This multi-functionality replaces multiple separate securing devices with a single integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cargo extends over the tailgate, then long cargo can be transported, but cargo may tip over or slide out during turning or bumps
Solution Approach 1:
The dividers provide localized support at specific positions along the cargo length, creating targeted stabilization zones where needed. The apertures are strategically positioned to provide support at critical points, enhancing stability precisely where cargo is most vulnerable to tipping or sliding.
Solution Approach 2:
The dividers can be adjusted to different positions and locked at various heights, providing dynamic adaptability to different cargo configurations. This allows the system to optimize stability for each specific loading scenario, whether cargo is positioned at the rear, center, or distributed along the tailgate.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate support system enables drivers and passengers to secure their cargo via their vehicle tailgate and bed of the vehicle. When hauling lumber or long objects they sit in the bed with some overhang out the bed above the tailgate. During turning or hitting bumps the load can sometimes move and fall out. Incorporating features into the bed and/or the tailgate can improve securing large loads in the bed of a truck by providing a vertical support to prevent it from tipping over and a lateral support to prevent it from sliding out from the sides. The tailgate support system for attaching to a tailgate of a vehicle where the tailgate has a top surface. The tailgate support system may include a plurality of dividers and a plurality of apertures disposed along the top surface of the tailgate and configured to receive the plurality of dividers.