Vehicle Tailgate Integrated Step Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Typical vehicle tailgates are high off the ground, making it difficult for people to access or exit the cargo bed, and there is a need to reduce vehicle weight for improved power efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate system with an integrated step mechanism, utilizing a main panel and a plurality of links that support the step for movement between a stowed and deployed position, allowing the step to be offset from the main panel and maintaining parallel orientation with the cargo side, with latches and a resilient member to facilitate easy deployment and stowage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If the tailgate is positioned high off the ground to provide adequate ground clearance, then vehicle ground clearance is improved, but accessibility to the cargo bed deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate system is segmented into the main tailgate panel and a separate integrated step assembly. The step can be independently deployed or stowed, allowing it to provide accessibility assistance without affecting the tailgate's primary positioning function for ground clearance maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly is designed to be dynamically deployable and stowable relative to the main tailgate panel. When deployed, the step lowers the entry height to improve accessibility; when stowed, it maintains a compact profile that does not interfere with the tailgate's ground clearance function.
2Ease of operation
If the step is deployed to lower the entry height, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is integrated with the main tailgate panel, combining two functions (tailgate closure and step assistance) into a single unified structure. This merging reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly includes self-contained linkage mechanisms and latches that automatically manage the step's deployment and stowage. The resilient member provides automatic biasing, reducing the need for external actuators or complex control systems.
3Ease of operation
If additional components are added to the tailgate to provide a step mechanism, then accessibility is improved, but weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly utilizes thin-walled linkage components and a resilient member that provides structural function with minimal material. This approach reduces the weight of additional components while maintaining the necessary mechanical strength for step functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The step assembly is designed as a separate, extractable component from the main tailgate panel. This allows the step mechanism to be optimized independently for minimal weight while still providing the required accessibility function when deployed.
4Volume of moving object
If the step is received in the cutout when stowed, then compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cutout in the tailgate panel is segmented to receive the step assembly in a modular fashion. This segmentation allows for tolerance distribution across multiple interfaces rather than requiring a single precision fit, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutout and step interfaces are designed with localized quality features such as guide surfaces and positioning elements in specific areas. These local features ensure proper alignment and fit without requiring high precision across the entire assembly, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
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
Enhances accessibility to the cargo bed by lowering the step when needed and maintains power efficiency by reducing weight, while supporting cargo and user loads during deployment.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient member coupled to one of the step or the plurality of links and configured to bias the step toward the stowed position or the deployed position
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate for a vehicle includes a main panel, a step, and a plurality of links that couple the step to the main panel and support the step for movement relative to the main panel between a stowed position and a deployed position. The main panel defines a cutout open through its rearward side. The main panel is mounted to the vehicle's cargo area and movable between a closed position and an open position. The step includes a cargo side and a rearward side. When the step is in the stowed position, the step is received in the cutout and the step's cargo side is substantially parallel to the main panel's cargo side. When the step is in the deployed position, the step is offset from the main panel and the step's cargo side is substantially parallel to the main panel's cargo side.