Tailgate Step With Fold-Up Handle And Parallel Slides
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Solution Overview
Problem
The height of pickup truck beds makes it difficult for users to step up or down without using their arms, posing a safety risk and limiting the ability to carry loads, and existing solutions are not inconspicuous or do not minimize cargo space.
Innovation Solution
A pull-out and fold-down tailgate step with a fold-up handle that attaches to the interior side of the tailgate, featuring parallel slides, fold-down members, and a pivoted safety handle, which can be stored out of sight when closed, to provide a safe and space-efficient means of accessing the truck bed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a step is installed to facilitate access to the truck bed, then ease of operation is improved, but appearance is worsened (step is visible)
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly is designed with movable components that allow it to transition between a retracted position (flush with tailgate interior) and an extended position (providing step function). The side members rotate from a vertical retracted position to a downwardly extending extended position, while the foot step member translates from a retracted position to an extended position, enabling the step to be invisible when not in use and functional when needed.
2Ease of operation
If a step is installed to facilitate access to the truck bed, then ease of operation is improved, but cargo space is worsened (step interferes with cargo)
Solution Approach 1:
The step assembly utilizes the vertical space between the tailgate interior and the truck bed by rotating downward when needed, rather than occupying horizontal cargo space. The side members rotate from a vertical position (when retracted) to a downwardly extending position (when extended), allowing the step to be stored within the existing vertical clearance and deployed without encroaching on the cargo volume.
3Reliability
If a handle is provided to maintain balance during ascent, then safety is improved, but appearance is worsened (handle is visible)
Solution Approach 1:
The safety handle is integrated with the side members of the step assembly. The handle is formed as an extension or attachment to the side members, combining the structural component (side member) with the safety component (handle) into a single element. This eliminates the need for a separate visible handle while maintaining the safety function.
4Ease of operation
If the step is made to extend downward to provide adequate step height, then ease of operation is improved, but cargo space is worsened (step occupies more space)
Solution Approach 1:
The side members rotate from a vertical retracted position to a downwardly extending extended position, providing the necessary step height when deployed. The foot step member translates forward to extend the step surface toward the truck bed, creating adequate stepping distance without permanently occupying horizontal cargo space. When retracted, the assembly occupies minimal vertical space within the tailgate interior clearance.
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 safe and convenient access to the truck bed while maintaining a sporty appearance, as the step is hidden from exterior view when closed, and minimizes interference with cargo space.
Implementation Method 1
spaced apart parallel slides each having a length which is aligned with a length of the truck, positioned within a track mounted on the base
Implementation Method 2
step carrying side fold down members each having a top end portion pivoted adjacent to an inner side portion of a rear end portion of a parallel slide
Implementation Method 3
folding step stops each having a lower bottom end portion pivotably attached to an outer rear side edge portion of the step, and an upper top end portion pivotably attached to an inner side portion of the top end portion of the fold down members
Data Source
AI summary
A tail gate step for mounting on a tailgate of a pickup truck comprising: i) a base having a downwardly folded rear side portion adapted seat on, the tailgate on the pickup truck; ii) spaced apart parallel slides positioned within a track mounted on the base; iii) step carrying side fold down members each having a top end portion pivoted adjacent to an inner side portion of a rear end portion of a parallel slide; iv) a fold down foot step member having an inner end portion pivoted to bottom end portions of the fold down members; v) folding step stops; and, vi) slide stops limiting forward and rearward movement of the slide within the track, so that the rear position defines an operative position wherein the step side fold down members rotate into a downwardly extending position adjacent to the folded rear side portion of the base.