Vehicle Tailgate Panel and Cushion for Comfortable Seating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles with split tailgates lack a comfortable and supportive surface for users to sit on, as the tailgate does not provide adequate cushioning or back support.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a lid with a pivotally attached panel and a cushion member, which can be deployed to create a cushioned area with a backrest, allowing users to sit comfortably by extending the panel at a positive angle and providing support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate is used as a sitting surface, then the vehicle provides a seating area, but the surface is uncomfortable and lacks back support
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into separate functional components: a cushion member for seating comfort and a panel for back support. These can be independently positioned and configured to optimize both comfort and structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is pivotally attached to the lid, enabling it to rotate between a stowed orientation (alongside the lid) and a deployed orientation (at a positive angle to provide back support). This dynamic configuration allows the structure to adapt between compact storage and functional use.
2Ease of operation
If a cushion member is added to the tailgate, then sitting comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion member is integrated with the lid structure through the cushion attachment means, combining multiple functions (seating comfort, storage, and structural support) into a unified assembly that reduces overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cushion member serves multiple purposes: providing seating comfort when deployed, and being stowed within the container when not in use. The attachment mechanism allows it to function both as a comfort element and as part of the storage system.
3Ease of operation
If the panel is pivotally attached to provide back support, then user support is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The panel utilizes a simple pivotal attachment that allows it to rotate between stowed and deployed orientations. This dynamic mechanism provides back support functionality through a single degree of freedom, minimizing mechanical complexity while achieving the desired support function.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the cushion member can be moved between stowed and deployed positions, then versatility is improved, but the attachment mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cushion attachment means is designed to enable the cushion member to function in multiple states: stowed within the container for storage, and deployed outside for seating. This multi-functional attachment mechanism achieves versatility through a unified design that handles both configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a vehicle comprises a lid for covering an opening of a container and a panel pivotally attached to the lid to enable the panel to pivot between a stowed orientation, in which the panel extends alongside the first face of the lid, and a first deployed orientation, in which the panel extends at a positive angle to the first face of the lid. The apparatus also includes a cushion member and a cushion attachment mechanism attaching the cushion member to the lid. The cushion attachment mechanism is arranged to enable the cushion member to move between a stowed position and a deployed position.