Vehicle Tailgate Pocket Step for Hitch Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vehicle tailgate systems do not provide adequate accessibility to the truck bed for loading and unloading cargo, especially when using fifth wheel or gooseneck hitches, as they require the tailgate to be lowered fully, which can obstruct the hitch connection and limit ergonomic access to the bed.
Innovation Solution
A vehicle tailgate system with a movable tailgate portion that slides into a pocket when closed, creating an access opening and integrating a fold-out step for improved access, allowing the tailgate to remain partially open while still providing a clear path for hitch connections and enhancing ergonomic access to the truck bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tailgate is lowered fully to allow access to the truck bed, then accessibility to the truck bed is improved, but the tailgate obstructs the hitch connection and limits ergonomic access
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate is divided into a fixed portion and a movable portion that can be independently positioned. The movable portion can be lowered to provide access while the fixed portion remains raised to clear the hitch connection, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and hitch clearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate system transitions from a static, fully lowered position to a dynamic, partially lowered position. The movable portion can be adjusted to different positions, allowing the system to adapt between providing maximum access and maintaining hitch clearance as needed.
2Ease of operation
If the movable tailgate portion is lowered to create an access opening, then ergonomic access to the truck bed is improved, but the structural integrity of the tailgate may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the tailgate into fixed and movable portions, the fixed portion maintains the overall structural integrity and support function, while the movable portion provides controlled access. This segmentation allows the structure to remain strong while enabling ergonomic access.
Solution Approach 2:
The movable tailgate portion acts as an intermediary element between the fixed tailgate structure and the truck bed access requirement. It provides the necessary opening for ergonomic access while being supported by and integrated with the fixed portion, maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate system for a vehicle comprises a tailgate pivotally mounted to a vehicle body for movement about a generally horizontal pivot axis between an open position and a closed position. The tailgate has an access opening configured to provide access to a vehicle bed area when the tailgate is in the closed position. The tailgate also has a movable tailgate portion movably connected to the tailgate. The movable tailgate portion is configured to cover the access opening in the tailgate when in a closed position of the movable tailgate portion. The tailgate also has a pocket opening for receiving the movable tailgate portion therein. The movable tailgate portion is slideably mounted to the tailgate for movement to an open position in which the movable tailgate portion is received in the pocket opening in the tailgate to uncover the access opening in the tailgate.