Vehicle Tailgate Shield Member for Spoiler Gap Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing tailgates with rear spoilers have a visible space between the rear window glass and the lower surface of the spoiler, which detracts from the appearance and is difficult to assemble, especially when using resin panels.
Innovation Solution
A plate-shaped shield member is mounted on the lower surface of the rear spoiler to conceal this space, with engagement and fastening mechanisms to secure it in place, allowing for easy assembly and improved aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a space is provided between the rear window glass and the lower surface of the rear spoiler for mounting the rear window panel, then the rear window panel can be mounted, but the appearance of the tailgate deteriorates due to the visible space
Solution Approach 1:
A shield member is introduced as an intermediary component between the rear spoiler and the rear window panel. This shield member covers the mounting space from the rear view, preventing the space from being visible while still allowing the rear window panel to be mounted in the required position. The shield member thus mediates between the functional requirement of having a mounting space and the aesthetic requirement of eliminating visible gaps.
2Ease of operation
If the rear window panel is mounted by moving it from a spaced position in the normal direction, then the mounting can be performed, but a mounting space must be provided which affects appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The shield member serves as a mediator that allows the mounting operation to proceed as required while hiding the resulting space. The mounting space is still provided for operational ease, but the shield member conceals it from view, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and appearance.
3Weight of moving object
If resin panels are used for the tailgate main body, then the weight is reduced, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate assembly is segmented into distinct functional components: the tailgate main body, the rear spoiler, the rear window panel, and the shield member. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently (resin panels for weight reduction) while the assembly process is simplified through modular construction where components are attached in a systematic sequence.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple components are merged into an integrated assembly. The shield member is integrated with either the rear spoiler or the tailgate main body, and the rear window panel is bonded to the tailgate main body, creating a unified structure that maintains simplicity despite using multiple parts. This merging approach allows weight reduction through resin materials while managing assembly complexity through integrated design.
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
The shield member effectively hides the space, enhancing the tailgate's appearance and ensuring reliable mounting and airtight/watertight seals, while simplifying assembly and reducing weight by integrating resin panels.
Implementation Method 1
the rear window panel is bonded to the outer surface of the tailgate main body with an adhesive (18)
Data Source
AI summary
To improve the appearance of a tailgate provided with a rear spoiler, a tailgate of a vehicle includes a tailgate main body having a rear window opening a rear spoiler extending rearward from a part of the tailgate main body above the rear window opening a rear window panel that is mounted on an outer peripheral portion of the rear window opening of an outer surface of the tailgate main body and closes the rear window opening and a plate-shaped shield member mounted on a lower surface of the rear spoiler so as to shield a space formed between the lower surface of the rear spoiler and an upper end portion of the rear window panel.