Tailgate Spoiler Drawer Structure for Drag Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pickup trucks experience aerodynamic inefficiencies and reduced fuel economy due to turbulent airflow in the open cargo box, which increases drag.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate spoiler with a pullout drawer is integrated into the tailgate to improve aerodynamics by disrupting airflow and providing additional storage, featuring a triangular cross-sectional area with a pullout drawer housed within.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a tailgate spoiler is added to improve aerodynamics and reduce drag, then fuel economy is improved, but the device complexity and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the aerodynamic spoiler function with a storage drawer system into a single integrated assembly. The spoiler structure serves dual purposes: improving airflow over the tailgate and providing a housing for the storage drawer, thereby reducing overall vehicle complexity while maintaining aerodynamic benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The spoiler assembly performs multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an aerodynamic device to reduce drag, provides structural support for the tailgate, and houses a storage drawer for cargo organization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components, reducing complexity while achieving multiple objectives
2Quantity of substance
If a pullout drawer is integrated into the spoiler to provide additional storage, then storage capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The storage drawer is nested within the spoiler structure, utilizing the spoiler's internal volume for storage purposes. The drawer slides in and out of the spoiler housing, allowing additional storage capacity without adding external protrusions or separate mounting structures
Solution Approach 2:
The storage drawer mechanism is integrated into the spoiler assembly, combining the aerodynamic component and storage function into a single unit. This integration eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets, fasteners, and structural supports that would be required if the drawer were added as a separate component
Data Source
AI summary
The tailgate spoiler storage system described herein adds storage to a vehicle tailgate spoiler. The tailgate spoiler storage system includes 1) a tailgate pivotally connected to a cargo box of a vehicle and 2) a spoiler extending behind the tailgate. The spoiler includes 1) an upper member supported on a top surface of the tailgate, 2) a vertical member extending from the upper member along a rear surface of the tailgate, and 3) an angled bottom member extending between the vertical member and the upper member. The tailgate spoiler storage system also includes a pullout drawer disposed within, and laterally extendable from, the spoiler.