Tailgate Overrotation Mechanism for Shorter Loading Ramps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tailgates in vehicles with storage beds require long loading ramps for large objects, which are cumbersome to move and store due to their horizontal open position, making it difficult for a single person to load heavy items like ATVs and motorcycles.
Innovation Solution
An overrotation mechanism for the tailgate that allows it to move beyond the normal horizontal open position to an angled position, using a combination of guide slots and pins to facilitate the overrotation, enabling the use of shorter ramps for loading and unloading heavy objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate is kept in a horizontal open position for loading, then loading is enabled, but the loading ramp becomes very long and difficult to move and store
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is designed to rotate dynamically beyond the traditional 90-degree horizontal position to an overrotated position where it angles downward toward the ground. This dynamic movement changes the geometry of the loading ramp, reducing its length and improving storability while maintaining loading functionality.
2Length of moving object
If the tailgate rotates to an overrotation position toward the ground, then the loading ramp length is reduced, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The overrotation mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: an adaptor plate that replaces the traditional pivot cup, guide slots with specific geometries (horizontal portion and vertical portion), and pins that interact with these slots. This segmentation allows each component to perform a specific function while collectively enabling the overrotation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide slots act as intermediaries between the pin and the tailgate structure, controlling the overrotation movement. The horizontal portion of the guide slot allows the pin to move laterally, while the vertical portion guides the downward movement, thereby mediating the complex overrotation motion through simple geometric constraints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the guide slot allows free movement of the pin, then the tailgate can overrotate, but inadvertent translation and unintended movement may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature (bump) in the guide slot is positioned to preemptively prevent the pin from moving beyond the desired overrotation position. This preliminary anti-action stops inadvertent translation into the vertical portion of the guide slot, ensuring the tailgate remains in the intended position and preventing unintended movement.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate assembly for a vehicle includes a tailgate configured to rotatably couple to a main body of the vehicle, and an overrotation mechanism coupled to a sidewall of the tailgate. The overrotation mechanism is configured to be disposed between the tailgate and the main body, and to enable the tailgate to move between a closed position and a horizontal open position, and between the horizontal open position and an overrotation position where the tailgate is disposed toward the ground at an angle relative to a horizontal.