Pickup Tailgate Hinge Bumper for Vibration Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pickup truck tailgates often rattle due to vibrations when in a closed orientation over rough surfaces, causing noise issues.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle tailgate assembly with a bumper made of compressible and resilient material, installed proximate to the hinge support section, which cushions the tailgate and reduces vibration-related noises by compressing when the tailgate is in the upright orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid hinge assembly is used to support the tailgate, then the tailgate can be reliably supported in the closed orientation, but vibration-related noises and rattling occur when traveling over rough surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by installing a bumper made of compressible and resilient material (such as rubber or foam) at the hinge support section before vibrations occur. This bumper is positioned to contact the hinge assembly when the tailgate is closed, providing pre-positioned cushioning that absorbs vibrations and impacts, thereby eliminating rattling noises while maintaining reliable tailgate support.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a cushioning element is added to reduce vibrations, then vibration-related noises are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the cushioning function with the existing hinge assembly structure by integrating the bumper directly into the hinge support section. Rather than adding a separate, complex vibration isolation system, the bumper is combined with the hinge assembly components, allowing it to perform both structural support and vibration damping functions within a unified structure, thereby minimizing additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the material parameter of the bumper to compressible and resilient materials (such as rubber or foam) that inherently provide vibration damping properties. By selecting materials with specific elastic and damping characteristics, the system achieves vibration noise reduction through material property optimization rather than through complex mechanical designs.
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 bumper effectively reduces and eliminates rattling noises by providing a cushioning effect during the closing movement of the tailgate, enhancing the quiet operation of the vehicle.
Implementation Method 1
the bumper is installed to the vehicle body structure proximate the hinge support section such that with the tailgate in the upright orientation, the second portion of the hinge assembly contacts the bumper
Implementation Method 2
A vehicle tailgate assembly with a bumper made of compressible and resilient material, installed proximate to the hinge support section, which cushions the tailgate and reduces vibration-related noises by compressing
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle tailgate assembly includes a vehicle body structure, a tailgate, a hinge assembly and a bumper. The vehicle body structure defines a tailgate opening and having a hinge support section. The tailgate is installed to the vehicle body structure for movement between an upright orientation and a horizontal orientation. The hinge assembly has a first portion installed to the hinge support section and a second portion installed to the tailgate. The bumper is installed to the vehicle body structure proximate the hinge support section such that with the tailgate in the upright orientation, the second portion of the hinge assembly contacts the bumper.