Tailgate Drawer Layout for Level EV Pickup Bed Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
The placement of a battery pack in the front portion of an electrified pickup truck's bed can result in a raised shelf or reduced storage area, making loading items difficult and creating excessive weight towards the front of the vehicle.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate drawer system is integrated into the vehicle, positioned along a horizontal plane parallel to the bed floor, which includes a storage compartment and is configured to move between closed and open positions, with electrical connections to a battery for powering tools and featuring a lid with attachment points for securing tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a battery pack is placed in the front portion of the bed, then battery capacity and range are improved, but the bed floor becomes raised and loading items becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is positioned in the front portion of the bed along a second horizontal plane that is parallel to but below the bed floor level. This vertical positioning allows the bed floor to remain level for easy loading while the battery occupies the lower space, resolving the contradiction between battery capacity and ease of loading items.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a battery pack is placed in the front portion of the bed, then battery capacity is improved, but the storage area is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is positioned below the bed floor level along a second horizontal plane, utilizing the vertical space underneath the bed. This allows the bed floor to remain level and maintain full storage area while the battery occupies the lower dimension, resolving the contradiction between battery capacity and storage area.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a battery pack is placed in the front portion of the bed, then battery capacity is improved, but excessive weight is created towards the front of the vehicle
Solution Approach 1:
The battery pack is positioned in the front portion of the bed but along a lower horizontal plane, which allows for optimized weight distribution. The lower positioning of the heavy battery mass improves vehicle balance and reduces excessive weight concentration towards the front, while still maintaining adequate battery capacity.
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
The tailgate drawer system enhances storage capacity, maintains a level bed floor, facilitates easy loading and unloading, and provides power to tools, while integrating seamlessly with the vehicle's exterior design.
Implementation Method 1
a battery positioned underneath the bed floor and lying along a second horizontal plane being parallel to the first horizontal plane. The battery may be configured to store and supply electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and devices for a tailgate drawer for a vehicle. The tailgate drawer may include a bed floor positioned along a first horizontal plane. The tailgate drawer may further include a battery positioned underneath the bed floor and lying along a second horizontal plane being parallel to the first horizontal plane. The battery may be configured to store and supply electrical energy. The tailgate drawer may further include a drawer lying along the second horizontal plane and positioned rearward of the battery with respect to the vehicle. The drawer may be configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The drawer may include a plurality of walls defining a storage compartment. The drawer may further include one or more electrical outlets electrically connected to the battery and coupled to one or more walls of the plurality of walls.