Collapsible Tailgate Ladder Nested Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collapsible ladders and ramps for vehicle tailgates lack efficient and secure mechanisms for transitioning between collapsed and extended positions, which can lead to instability and difficulty in securing the devices within the tailgate cavity.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising segmented elongate members with varying diameters and cross members that allow for the collapsible ladder to adjust between collapsed and extended positions, with an attachment device securing the ladder within the tailgate cavity, enabling secure and stable deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the collapsible ladder device is made to be non-fixedly secured within the tailgate cavity, then the ease of deployment and storage is improved, but the stability and security of the ladder during use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The collapsible ladder device utilizes nested elongate members where inner segments are received within outer segments. The first elongate member is received within the second elongate member, and the third elongate member is received within the fourth elongate member, creating a compact nested structure that maintains stability while allowing easy deployment and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment device incorporates movable engagement features including lips that can transition between engaged and disengaged positions. The first lip and second lip can move between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the tailgate cavity, allowing the ladder to be dynamically secured or released as needed, balancing stability during use with ease of deployment.
2Ease of operation
If the collapsible ladder device uses movable engagement features for attachment, then the ease of securing and releasing the ladder is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment device is segmented into distinct functional components including a body with first and second lips, where each lip can independently engage with corresponding features on the tailgate cavity. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple and manageable.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the elongate members are segmented with varying diameters, then the ability to collapse and extend the ladder is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented elongate members are designed with varying diameters to enable nesting, where smaller diameter segments fit within larger diameter segments. This nested configuration allows the ladder to collapse into a compact form and extend to its full length, while the diameter variations are standardized to maintain manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention related generally to ladders and ramps and, more particularly, to collapsible ladders and ramps for a vehicle tailgate and related systems. In one embodiment, the invention provides a system comprising: a tailgate member for a vehicle, the tailgate member having: an interior wall; an exterior wall; and a cavity between the interior and exterior walls; at least one collapsible ladder device comprising: a pair of substantially parallel elongate members; a plurality of cross members, each of the plurality extending between and lying substantially perpendicular to the pair of substantially elongate members; and an attachment device for non-fixedly securing the at least one collapsible ladder device within the cavity of the tailgate member.