Universal Tailgate Joint Assembly for Parcel Shelf NVH Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vehicle tailgate assemblies require separate configurations for different parcel shelf arrangements, leading to increased costs and potential noise or friction issues during opening and closing.

Innovation Solution

A universal vehicle tailgate assembly with a joint assembly that includes a first engaging component for moving parcel shelves and a second engaging component for stationary shelves, minimizing structural changes and reducing noise through a buffer mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate tailgate configurations are used for different parcel shelf arrangements, then the shelf can be properly accommodated, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshelf configuration adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate inner plate is designed with a universal joint assembly that can accommodate both moving and stationary parcel shelves through a single structure. The joint assembly includes engaging components that can interface with different shelf types, allowing one tailgate design to serve multiple shelf configuration purposes without requiring separate tailgate designs for each shelf type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The joint assembly incorporates movable engaging components that can dynamically adjust their position and engagement state. The first engaging component can transition between engaged and disengaged states with the parcel shelf, allowing the same tailgate structure to support both moving shelves (when engaged) and stationary shelves (when disengaged), thereby achieving adaptability without increasing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the tailgate inner plate is designed for moving shelf, then storage space is expanded, but noise and friction occur during closing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestorage space expansionVSAvoidnoise and friction
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A buffer component is introduced as an intermediary element between the tailgate inner plate and the parcel shelf. This buffer component absorbs the impact and reduces friction during the closing process, preventing direct contact and collision between the tailgate inner plate and the shelf. The buffer allows the shelf to move with the tailgate when needed while minimizing harmful noise and friction during closing operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the tailgate inner plate is designed for stationary shelf, then noise is reduced, but the appearance quality is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidappearance quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The joint assembly is designed with differentiated local qualities to address different functional requirements. The engaging components have specific geometric features and surface treatments optimized for their respective functions - some portions are designed for smooth engagement to maintain appearance quality, while other portions incorporate buffering characteristics to reduce noise. This localized optimization allows the same structure to achieve both appearance quality and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4212370B1Vehicle tailgate assembly and vehicle
Publication Date: 2025.07.02 STELLANTIS AUTO SAS
  • EP4212370B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4212370B1 patent drawingFigure 1C~1D
  • EP4212370B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B

AI summary

The present disclosure provides a vehicle tailgate assembly and a vehicle. The vehicle tailgate assembly comprises a tailgate inner plate and at least one joint assembly arranged on the tailgate inner plate, wherein the joint assembly comprises a first joint component, wherein the first joint component is adapted to being engaged with a first shelf so that the first shelf moves in response to the movement of the tailgate inner plate; And a second engaging component, which is adapted to the first engaging component and is adapted to engage with a second shelf; Wherein the first shelf is different from the second shelf. The vehicle tailgate assembly provided by the present disclosure not only improves the applicability of the tailgate inner plate and saves the cost by integrating the joint components adapted to different shelfs, but also can effectively avoid the problem of abnormal noise caused by friction or impact of different shelves in the process of opening or closing the tailgate, thereby improving the NVH performance (noise, vibration and acoustic roughness performance) and service durability of the vehicle.