Removable Tailgate Hinge Locking Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Removable tailgates for vehicles are difficult to reinstalled correctly due to misalignment of hinge components and lack security features to prevent theft.
Innovation Solution
A hinge assembly with a locking mechanism that includes a female and male hinge part, a lock with a shaft and projection for securing the female hinge part relative to the tailgate, and a cover that can be locked with a key to prevent removal, ensuring proper alignment and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the tailgate is made removable to reduce vehicle weight, then towing capacity is improved, but the tailgate becomes difficult to reinstall correctly due to hinge misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism preliminarily secures the hinge assembly in the correct position before the tailgate is fully reinstalled. By locking the hinge at the proper alignment position, the system ensures that when the tailgate is removed and later reinstalled, the hinge remains in the correct orientation, making reinstallation straightforward without alignment difficulties
Solution Approach 2:
The lock acts as an intermediary element between the hinge assembly and the tailgate body. It mediates the connection by maintaining the hinge in a fixed, pre-aligned position, thereby facilitating easy reinstallation of the tailgate without requiring precise manual alignment of the hinge components
2Weight of moving object
If the tailgate is made removable for weight reduction, then towing capacity is improved, but hinge misalignment occurs during reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The lock mechanism performs a preliminary action by securing the hinge assembly in the exact correct position before removal. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the tailgate is reinstalled, the hinge maintains its precise alignment, eliminating misalignment issues that would otherwise occur with removable tailgates
Solution Approach 2:
The lock mechanism serves itself by automatically maintaining the hinge in the correct aligned position. The locking action inherently preserves the precise manufacturing alignment of the hinge components, making the system self-correcting and eliminating the need for additional alignment adjustments during reinstallation
3Weight of moving object
If the tailgate is made removable, then towing capacity is improved, but security against theft deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated lock mechanism: (1) securing the hinge assembly in the correct position to prevent misalignment, and (2) locking the tailgate to prevent theft. This combined mechanism achieves both alignment precision and security enhancement while maintaining the weight reduction benefits of a removable tailgate
Data Source
AI summary
A hinge assembly for moving a tailgate about a hinge axis. The hinge assembly includes a first hinge part and a second hinge part for mating with the first hinge part. The second hinge part may be moved to a release position for releasing from the first hinge part, and a lock is provided for locking the second hinge part in the release position. A tailgate including the hinge assembly is also disclosed, which may also be provided with a powered raising and lowering capability. A related method is also disclosed.