Vehicle Tailgate Enclosure with Angled Wall and Non-Circular Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pickup truck cargo beds often struggle to securely transport loads that are larger than the bed, as existing tailgate enclosures either allow loads to fall out or require excessive tie-down time, and there is a need for improved configurations to accommodate items like motorcycles.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate enclosure with non-circular cross-members, simplified vertical supports, and a modified storage space defined by a sloping connecting wall, which provides additional space and secure storage for items extending past the tailgate, while allowing for easy assembly and reduced wind resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate is lowered to enable larger loads to be transferred, then cargo loading capability is improved, but cargo security deteriorates (risk of load falling out)
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate enclosure divides the cargo space into separate compartments using vertical supports and cross-members, creating secure sections that prevent cargo from falling out even when the tailgate is lowered. The enclosure segments the open bed space into a protected cargo area.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate enclosure acts as an intermediary structure between the cargo bed and the external environment, providing a protective barrier that secures cargo while allowing the tailgate to remain lowered for loading access.
2Reliability
If traditional tie-down methods are used to secure loads, then cargo security is improved, but loading time deteriorates (additional time required)
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate enclosure is pre-installed on the vehicle, creating a permanent secure structure before cargo is loaded. This eliminates the need for time-consuming tie-down operations during each loading event, as the enclosure itself provides the security function.
3Device complexity
If the connecting wall is positioned vertically, then structural simplicity is improved, but cargo space utilization deteriorates (reduced storage space for long items)
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting wall transitions from a vertical orientation to an angled orientation, sloping upward and outward from the tailgate. This angular configuration optimizes the use of vertical and horizontal space, creating additional storage volume for long items like motorcycles while maintaining structural integrity.
4Ease of manufacture
If circular cross-members are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but assembly precision deteriorates (difficulty in alignment and retention)
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-members transition from circular to non-circular cross-sections. This asymmetric shape provides natural alignment features that ensure precise positioning and retention during assembly, eliminating the rotational ambiguity inherent in circular sections while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved vehicle cargo tailgate enclosure particularly adapted for ease of installation and removal. The tailgate enclosure comprises two side walls and a rear wall. The rear wall is configured to slope upwardly and rearwardly to provide additional storage space to a cargo bed of a vehicle. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises tubular members which comprise a non-circular cross section which provide exceptional strength a structural stability to the cargo tailgate enclosure. The cargo tailgate enclosure further comprises a plurality of upright members. Some of the upright members are configured to attach the cargo tailgate enclosure to a vehicle and to cap the tubular members. Other upright members are configured to support the tailgate enclosure against the surface cargo bed or a tailgate of a vehicle.