Tailgate Latch System With Biased Lock Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tailgate latches for pickup trucks often suffer from issues such as squeaks and rattles due to loose fits, require additional components like over slam bumpers, and experience performance degradation with temperature changes, leading to inefficient closure mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A latch system featuring lock pins that bias towards extended positions to securely engage with bushings, a retaining lever to maintain the pins in retracted positions when open, and a manual or powered release mechanism to allow opening, ensuring consistent closure effort across temperatures without the need for over slam bumpers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional latches use loose fits for pin engagement, then ease of operation is improved, but harmful factors increase due to squeaks and rattles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing a bushing with a latch opening that receives the lock pin, creating a localized precision engagement zone. The bushing material and geometry are specifically designed to provide controlled friction and quiet operation at the engagement point, while the rest of the tailgate structure remains simple and easy to operate.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional latches use tight fits for pin engagement, then harmful factors decrease by eliminating squeaks and rattles, but ease of operation worsens due to increased closure effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by utilizing the bushing material properties and geometric parameters to achieve optimal engagement. The bushing's internal diameter, wall thickness, and material hardness are controlled to provide just enough friction for quiet operation while allowing smooth pin movement. The biased lock pin design also changes the engagement parameters dynamically during operation.
3Device complexity
If conventional latches lack retaining members, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability worsens when tailgate is open as pins may not remain retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the biased lock pin design that automatically moves into the retracted position when disengaged from the latch opening. The biasing mechanism causes the pin to self-retract and self-latch without requiring additional retaining members or complex control systems, achieving both simplicity and reliability.
4Manufacturing precision
If conventional latches do not have biased lock members, then manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but reliability worsens due to performance degradation with temperature changes
Solution Approach 1:
The biased lock pin design compensates for thermal expansion and contraction by providing a controlled spring force that maintains proper engagement pressure across temperature ranges. The biasing mechanism dynamically adjusts the pin position and engagement force, compensating for dimensional changes in the bushing and pin due to temperature variations.
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 latch system provides a secure, quiet, and efficient tailgate closure with reduced components, eliminating squeaks and rattles, maintaining performance across temperature variations, and eliminating the need for over slam bumpers.
Implementation Method 1
The lock members are biased towards the extended positions
Implementation Method 2
The retaining members release the lock members when the tailgate is closed whereby the lock members shift to the extended positions
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle includes a cargo box having an opening and opposed apertures on opposite sides of the opening. The vehicle further includes a tailgate having locks retaining a pair of outwardly-biased pins in retracted positions when the tailgate is open. The locks engage the cargo box and release the pins when the tailgate is closed whereby the pins shift outwardly into the apertures when the tailgate is closed. A release lever selectively retracts the pins to permit the tailgate to be opened.