Fold-Out Tailgate Extension Arms for Variable Cargo and Rear Visibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tailgate systems in trucks lack an efficient and safe method to extend and retract the tailgate for varying load sizes and visibility indicators for drivers behind the truck, which can lead to accidents when the tailgate is open.

Innovation Solution

A tailgate extension system comprising moveable and rotatable arms with a foundation rod and slats, allowing for horizontal and vertical adjustments to accommodate different loads, and a visible cover with attention-drawing colors to indicate the tailgate position, ensuring safe operation and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the tailgate is extended outward to accommodate larger loads, then the loading capacity is improved, but the risk of accidents to drivers behind the truck increases due to reduced visibility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading capacityVSAvoidaccident risk to drivers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies high-visibility colors (such as reflective materials or contrasting paint) to the extended tailgate sections and warning indicators. This allows the extended tailgate to be clearly visible to drivers behind the truck, warning them of the reduced clearance and preventing accidental collisions while maintaining the extended loading capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tailgate extension system is added to accommodate varying load sizes, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of varying load sizesVSAvoidextension system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate extension system is divided into separate modular sections that can be independently attached and detached. Each extension segment can be configured based on load requirements, and the modular design simplifies installation, maintenance, and storage while providing adaptable loading capacity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The extension system incorporates movable and adjustable components that allow the tailgate to dynamically adapt to different load sizes. The extension arms can be positioned at various angles and lengths, providing flexibility without requiring a completely rigid complex structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the tailgate arms are extended horizontally for loading, then the loading capability is improved, but the space required for storage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading capabilityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The extension arms are designed to nest within each other or fold into a compact configuration when not in use. The telescopic or hinged design allows the arms to retract into a minimal space on the tailgate, eliminating the need for additional external storage space while maintaining full loading capability when extended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS20240034418A1Tail gate extension

Publication Date: 2024.02.01 THOMPSON MARCUS

AI summary

A truck of the present disclosure has a tailgate has a compartment, at least one left tail gate extension arm rotatably foldable to an outward position from an opening in the compartment, and at least one right tail gate extension arm rotatably foldable to an outward position from an opening in a compartment configured for carrying loads.