Tailgate Retrieval Hook and Latch Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vehicles face challenges in storing and accessing tools in hard-to-reach areas of storage compartments, such as heavy or large cargo that shifts during transport, requiring tools to be placed in difficult-to-access locations for proper distribution and retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A mounting bracket and latch mechanism system that secures an elongate member, such as a retrieval hook, within a body panel or tailgate cavity, using a coupling mechanism and spring assembly to keep the tool in place and facilitate easy retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If cargo is placed in out-of-reach areas for proper distribution or to fit more cargo, then cargo storage capacity and distribution are improved, but tool accessibility and retrieval difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
A retrieval tool with an elongate body is provided as an intermediary device to bridge the gap between accessible areas and out-of-reach storage zones. The tool allows users to retrieve cargo from difficult-to-access locations without needing direct physical access, thus maintaining high cargo storage capacity while improving tool accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval tool extends the reach capability by adding length in the directional dimension, allowing users to access cargo stored in out-of-reach areas of the storage compartment without compromising storage density or payload distribution.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tools are stored in hard-to-reach areas for proper cargo distribution, then cargo stability and distribution are improved, but tool retrieval time and effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval tool serves as a mediator that enables quick access to cargo in stable, out-of-reach storage positions. By providing a long-reach mechanism, users can rapidly retrieve tools without disturbing the stable cargo distribution arrangement.
Solution Approach 2:
The retrieval tool is designed to be readily accessible and ready for use, allowing users to quickly reach into out-of-reach areas without time-consuming setup or repositioning, thus minimizing retrieval time while maintaining cargo stability.
3Reliability
If cargo is placed in out-of-reach areas to prevent shifting during transport, then cargo security and payload distribution are improved, but accessibility for tool placement and retrieval worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval tool acts as an intermediary device that allows users to place and retrieve tools in out-of-reach areas without compromising cargo security. The tool extends reach capability while maintaining the stable, secure arrangement of cargo during transport.
Solution Approach 2:
By extending the tool in the dimensional direction of reach, users can access out-of-reach storage zones for tool placement and retrieval without disturbing the secure cargo arrangement, thus maintaining cargo security while improving operational accessibility.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure storage and easy access to tools in difficult-to-reach areas, ensuring proper cargo distribution and retrieval without shifting during transport, enhancing usability and safety.
Implementation Method 1
spring assembly to keep the tool in place and facilitate easy retrieval
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a mounting bracket configured to mount to a surface of a body panel of a vehicle, adjacent to an opening in the body panel. A latch mechanism is coupled to the mounting bracket. An elongate member comprising a body and a coupling mechanism is configured to couple to the latch mechanism so that, when secured, at least a portion of the body of the elongate member is positioned within an inside cavity of the body panel of the vehicle. In an embodiment, the body panel is a truck tailgate and the elongate member is a retrieval hook.