Folding Tailgate Sideways Slide Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional tailgates that fold outward limit access to the truck bed, especially near the cabin area, making it difficult to reach cargo, and pose challenges when handling heavier objects.

Innovation Solution

A tailgate opening system with two side-by-side panels connected by a hinge that allows one panel to rotate towards the vehicle sidewall, enabling the tailgate to slide sideways, utilizing a pivot hinge and linkages to move along a track, and a retractable cable system for support in horizontal configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the tailgate folds outward horizontally, then the tailgate structure remains simple, but the footprint and range of motion increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetailgate structureVSAvoidtailgate footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds a sideways sliding dimension to the traditional horizontal folding motion. The second panel moves along the vehicle sidewall in a direction perpendicular to the folding axis, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space to reduce the overall footprint and range of motion required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the tailgate uses a single panel folding mechanism, then the device complexity is low, but access to harder-to-reach objects is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetailgate mechanismVSAvoidaccess to cargo

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate is segmented into two panels with independent motion capabilities. The first panel folds outward while the second panel slides sideways, creating multiple access paths to the truck bed and improving accessibility to cargo in hard-to-reach areas

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate system performs multiple functions: horizontal folding for general access and sideways sliding for enhanced access to specific areas. This multi-functionality allows the same mechanism to serve different operational needs without requiring separate systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enhances access to the truck bed by reducing the footprint and range of motion, accommodating limited spaces for easier loading and unloading of cargo, and providing improved access to harder-to-reach areas.

Implementation Method 1

The first hinge is configured to rotate the second panel toward the first panel, moving the second panel towards the first vehicle sidewall for opening the tailgate sideways

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Implementation Method 2

the second panel is selectively coupled to a retractable cable to support the first panel and the second panel in the horizontal orientation, the retractable cable attached to the first vehicle sidewall

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS11679817B2Folding tailgate for a vehicle

Publication Date: 2023.06.20 HYUNDAI MOTOR CO LTD

AI summary

Methods and systems are described for a folding tailgate. The system includes a first panel and a second panel forming a tailgate of the vehicle. The vehicle has a first vehicle sidewall and a second vehicle sidewall. The system may include a first hinge coupled between the first panel and the second panel. The first hinge is configured to rotate the second panel toward the first panel, moving the second panel towards the first vehicle sidewall for opening the tailgate sideways.