Pickup Truck Tailgate Lifting Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for loading and unloading pickup trucks are inadequate due to suspension issues that make tailgate access difficult, particularly for older people and those with disabilities, as they either require manual reaching or jumping into the truck bed.
Innovation Solution
An electric motor with a chain/sprocket system that lifts and lowers the tailgate, engaging with the truck's tailgate pins to provide easier access, allowing remote operation and integration with the truck's existing latch system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate is lowered to enable access to cargo, then accessibility is improved, but the suspension causes the truck to ride higher in the back making accessibility difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional manual mechanical operation of lowering the tailgate with an electric motor-driven chain/sprocket system. The motor is mounted on the tailgate and drives a chain that engages with the truck bed frame, automatically lifting the tailgate to a horizontal position for easy cargo access without requiring manual effort to overcome the suspension-induced height issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a chain as an intermediary element between the electric motor and the tailgate. The chain engages with the truck bed frame and transmits the motor's rotational motion to lift the tailgate, serving as a mediator that converts motor rotation into linear lifting motion while maintaining engagement with the existing tailgate latch pins.
2Ease of operation
If a person jumps into the truck bed to unload cargo, then accessibility is improved, but this solution is unsuitable for older people or people with disabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service system where the electric motor automatically performs the tailgate lifting operation without requiring human physical intervention. The system activates automatically or via remote control, lifting the tailgate to a convenient height for cargo access, thereby serving users of all ages and abilities without requiring them to jump into the truck bed or exert physical effort.
3Ease of operation
If the motor and sprocket are positioned halfway between the cab and bed opening, then the chain travels within a channel receiving pins, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric motor, sprocket, and chain system into an integrated assembly that is mounted directly on the tailgate. The motor drives the sprocket which engages the chain, and all components are positioned within the existing tailgate structure, utilizing the existing pins and channels to reduce overall system complexity despite adding motorized functionality.
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 system enhances cargo accessibility in pickup trucks by enabling easy lifting and lowering of the tailgate, accommodating various user needs and preventing property damage with safety features like pressure switches or electric eyes.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor with a chain/sprocket system that pulls and pushes the tailgate into the up position then back into the down position
Implementation Method 2
The chain of the device traveling within a channel, the channel sized and configured to receive a pair of pins on each side of the tailgate. These four (4) pins traveling within the channel as the chain, sprocket, and motor pulls the tailgate into an upward position and push the tailgate into a downward position.
Data Source
AI summary
A pickup truck tailgate lifting system and apparatus. The system in communication with the tailgate of the truck and located within an interior of the truck bed. The apparatus comprising a motor, a sprocket, a chain, and pins located on opposed ends of the tailgate, wherein the chain engages the tailgate and moves the tailgate from a closed position to an open position. The pins of the apparatus allow for normal operation of the tailgate during non-use of the apparatus.