Tailgate Ramp Securement via Latch Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ramp securing systems for vehicles like pickup trucks are cumbersome and often not properly secured, leading to safety issues during loading and unloading of ATVs and snowmobiles, as users tend to skip the securing process due to the manual effort required, resulting in potential injuries and damages.
Innovation Solution
A securement device that utilizes the existing tailgate latch of a pickup truck to attach and lock ATV ramps in place, providing a quicker and easier means of securing ramps without the need for manual straps, allowing for secure attachment and detachment without modifying the vehicle, and enabling the ramp to be left in the down position for convenient reloading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual straps are used to secure ramps to the tailgate, then the ramp can be attached to the vehicle, but the securing process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the ramp securement function with the existing tailgate latch mechanism. The securement device integrates a latch engaging component that locks into the vehicle's tailgate latch, merging two separate functions (ramp attachment and tailgate latching) into a unified system. This eliminates the need for separate manual straps while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device enables self-service operation by utilizing the vehicle's existing tailgate latch mechanism. When the user operates the tailgate latch, it automatically secures the ramp in place without requiring additional manual securing actions. The system serves itself by leveraging the vehicle's built-in latching mechanism to perform the securement function.
2Reliability
If manual straps are used to secure ramps, then attachment is possible, but the process requires significant time and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ramp securement operation with the tailgate latching operation into a single action. The securement device is positioned such that when the tailgate latch is engaged, it simultaneously secures the ramp. This consolidation reduces the time required from multiple separate securing steps to a single latching motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device is pre-positioned and pre-configured to engage with the tailgate latch mechanism. The latch engaging component is already aligned and ready to lock into place, eliminating the need for time-consuming alignment and adjustment during the securing process. The system is prepared in advance to enable rapid securement.
3Reliability
If traditional strap systems are used, then ramps can be secured, but users often skip the process due to its complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the ramp securement system with the vehicle's existing tailgate latch mechanism, reducing the number of separate components and operations required. Instead of adding a complex separate strap system, the invention integrates securement into the already-familiar latch operation, simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device is designed to be universal by working with the vehicle's existing tailgate latch mechanism that is already present on most pickup trucks. This multi-functional approach allows the same latch mechanism to serve both its original purpose (securing the tailgate) and the new purpose (securing the ramp), eliminating the need for specialized complex securing systems.
4Ease of operation
If ramps are left unsecured in the down position, then convenient reloading is enabled, but safety risks and theft vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The securement device enables the ramp to secure itself automatically when the tailgate latch is engaged. The latch engaging component automatically locks the ramp in place through the vehicle's existing latch mechanism, providing self-service securement without requiring manual intervention. This maintains safety while allowing the ramp to remain in the down position for convenient reloading operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The securement device provides a simple, cost-effective solution using basic mechanical components that integrate with the existing latch system. Rather than implementing complex electronic locking or heavy-duty permanent attachments, the invention uses a straightforward mechanical engagement system that is reliable yet simple, allowing the ramp to be securely left in position without expensive or overly complex mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses a vehicle ramp assembly for secure attachment to a tailgate of a vehicle, which may include a vehicle attachment apparatus with one or more tailgate striker bolts configured attach to and detach from a tailgate latch of the vehicle. This may include a single securement bar attached at opposite ends to the first and second tailgate striker bolts, sized and configured such that the first tailgate striker bolt and the second tailgate striker bolt may be simultaneously attached respectively to the first and second tailgate latches of the vehicle. This invention may further include a ramp configured at a first end to rest on a surface and configured at a second end to be secured to the securement bar.