Vehicle Tailgate Movable Step System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle tailgate systems lack an efficient mechanism to provide enhanced accessibility to the truck bed while maintaining the tailgate in a closed position, especially for loading and unloading cargo, and do not offer a convenient step feature when the tailgate is open.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate system with a pivotally mounted movable tailgate portion that can be configured to cover the access opening in the closed position and extend as a step or supplemental step when open, supported by a selectively operable support system that allows greater pivotal movement, enabling easier access and accommodating fifth wheel trailer connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate is kept in closed position to maintain security and appearance, then accessibility to the truck bed is limited, but if the tailgate is fully opened to improve accessibility, then the vehicle loses its closed and secure appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can independently pivot. The movable portion can be opened downward to provide access to the truck bed while the fixed portion remains in the closed vertical position, maintaining the overall closed appearance of the tailgate.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable tailgate portion pivots downward in a vertical dimension rather than opening horizontally outward. This allows the portion to extend below the vehicle bumper level, providing access to the truck bed while the main tailgate body remains closed and upright.
2Ease of operation
If the movable tailgate portion is allowed to pivot fully downward to provide maximum access, then accessibility is improved, but the support system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The support system transitions from a static structure to a dynamic one with selectively operable support members. The support members can be engaged or disengaged based on whether the movable tailgate portion needs to be supported in an intermediate position or pivot fully downward, providing flexibility without permanent complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support function is extracted as a separate, selectively deployable system rather than being integrated permanently into the tailgate structure. The support members can be engaged only when needed to hold the movable portion in specific positions, and removed or disengaged when full pivoting motion is required.
3Ease of operation
If the movable tailgate portion is supported in an intermediate step position to provide a step, then accessibility is improved, but the support system must be more complex to enable this function
Solution Approach 1:
The movable tailgate portion serves multiple functions: it acts as a closure panel when vertical, provides a step when supported in an intermediate horizontal position, and enables access to the truck bed when pivoted fully downward. The support system accommodates all these functions through selective engagement of support members.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable tailgate portion itself serves as the step structure when supported in the intermediate position, eliminating the need for a separate step component. The support members simply hold the existing tailgate portion in the appropriate position to provide step functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate system for a vehicle comprises a tailgate and a support system. The tailgate includes a movable tailgate portion movably connected to the tailgate and configured to cover an access opening in the tailgate. The support system is selectively operable between a connected state connected to both the tailgate and the movable tailgate portion and a disconnected state. The support system in the connected state is configured to support the movable tailgate portion in a step position pivoted downwardly from the tailgate in an open position thereof to provide a step. The support system in the disconnected state is configured to allow the movable tailgate portion to pivot downwardly from the tailgate in a closed position to the downwardly extending open position. The angle of pivotal movement of the movable tailgate portion relative to the tailgate is greater in the downwardly extending open position than in the step position.