Pickup Tailgate Assembly With Integrated Step, Lighting, and Camera

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tailgate devices for pickup trucks lack integrated features that enhance user accessibility, safety, and functionality, such as a step for easy entry into the bed, integrated lighting for visibility, and a camera system for backing assistance.

Innovation Solution

A tailgate device with a hingedly disposed panel that includes a step for climbing into the bed, integrated lighting for enhanced visibility, and a Bluetooth camera for image transmission to a personal electronic device for backing assistance, all integrated into a pickup truck's tailgate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a step is integrated into the tailgate to facilitate easy entry into the bed, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of entry into bedVSAvoidtailgate structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The step is nested within the panel space of the tailgate, allowing it to be stored within the tailgate structure when not in use and deployed when needed for easy entry into the bed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The step is made movable between a stored position within the panel space and a deployed position extending outward, allowing it to adapt between providing easy access and maintaining a clean tailgate appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a camera system with Bluetooth transmission is integrated into the tailgate, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebacking assistance capabilityVSAvoidtailgate system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera system provides multiple functions including capturing images for backing assistance and transmitting them via Bluetooth to personal electronic devices, making the tailgate versatile for different assistance scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The Bluetooth transmitter acts as an intermediary between the camera system and personal electronic devices, enabling wireless communication and image transmission without direct connection

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If integrated lighting is added to enhance visibility, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisibility and safetyVSAvoidtailgate system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lighting elements are merged with the tailgate structure and panel, integrating illumination functionality directly into the existing components rather than adding separate lighting systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12409783B2Vehicle tailgate assembly

Publication Date: 2025.09.09 EBANKS WENTWORTH

AI summary

A vehicle tailgate assembly includes a tailgate that is pivotally disposed on a bed of a pickup a panel space is integrated into the tailgate. A panel is hingedly disposed in the panel space in the tailgate. The panel is positionable in a closed or an open position. A step is slidably integrated into the panel and the step is positionable in a deployed position to facilitate a user to step on the step for climbing into the bed. A camera is integrated into the tailgate to record images of an area behind the pickup. The camera includes a transmitter which broadcasts a signal to a personal electronic device facilitating the personal electronic device to display the images recorded by the camera to assist with backing the pickup.