Pivoting Tailgate with Integrated Step and Swing Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with cargo areas, such as pick-up trucks, face difficulties in providing easy ingress and egress due to the location and height of steps integrated into the rear bumper, making it challenging for individuals to step into and out of the cargo area safely and efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate assembly with a pivotally supported tailgate that includes swing link assemblies and support cables, allowing the tailgate to be opened to various positions, with a step integrated into the interior surface, enabling easier access and concealing the support components when stowed, protecting them from environmental damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If steps are integrated into the rear bumper corners, then vehicle structure is simplified and manufacturing is easier, but the step height is limited and accessibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is designed to be movable between closed and open positions, with the step integrated into its structure. When opened, the tailgate provides a step at an optimal height for entering/exiting the cargo area, overcoming the height limitation of fixed bumper steps while maintaining ease of manufacture through a single integrated component.
2Strength
If support cables and swing links are exposed, then structural integrity is maintained, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates and components are vulnerable to environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support cables and swing links are concealed within the tailgate structure itself. The tailgate acts as an enclosing shell that protects these structural components from environmental exposure while maintaining their load-bearing function, effectively nesting the support mechanisms inside the visible exterior.
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 design provides improved access into and out of the cargo area by adjusting the height of the step to ground level, offering aesthetic and protective benefits by hiding the support components when the tailgate is closed, enhancing user safety and convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The first swing link pivot pivotally connects the first swing link proximal end to the first close face of the tailgate to permit rotation of the first swing link between a stored position and a deployed position
Implementation Method 2
The first support cable extends between a first support cable bedside end and a first support cable tailgate end. The first support cable bedside end is configured to be attached to the first bedside of the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate assembly is provided for a vehicle having a cargo area disposed between first and second bedsides. A tailgate having at least one step is pivotally supported on the first and second besides. A tailgate latch assembly releasably retains the tailgate in a stowed position. First and second swing links are pivotally connected to first and second close faces of the tailgate. First and second swing link latch assemblies releasably retain the first and second swing links in a stored position. First and second support cables are connected to the first and second swing links to limit rotation of the tailgate between the stowed position and a first open position when the first and second swing links are in the stored position and to limit rotation between the first open position and a second open position when the first and second swing links are in a deployed position.