Tailgate Step Assembly with Retractable Frame for Cargo Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The difficulty in accessing cargo beds on large vehicles due to elevated heights and the need for a stable, space-efficient step solution that does not interfere with cargo or require a separate step stool.

Innovation Solution

A tailgate with a hingeably connected step assembly that pivots from a closed to an open position, featuring a pocket with a moveable frame that extends to form steps, allowing for easy ingress and egress without occupying cargo space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a bracket is installed on the tailgate to assist ingress and egress, then humans can step onto the bracket, but the bracket protrudes from the interior surface and interferes with cargo or takes up space in the cargo bed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingress and egress assistanceVSAvoidcargo space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The step assembly is nested within a pocket formed by the inner and outer panels of the tailgate. The pocket houses the step assembly when retracted, preventing it from protruding into the cargo bed while still providing step functionality when extended.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The step assembly is made movable between extended and retracted positions. When retracted, it does not interfere with cargo; when extended, it provides step functionality for ingress and egress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a separate step stool is placed adjacent the tailgate to assist ingress and egress, then humans can use the step stool, but the step stool is not fixed and can move or tip when in use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingress and egress assistanceVSAvoidstep stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The step assembly is merged with the tailgate structure through the pocket integration. The stationary frame is fixed to the tailgate, providing a stable and reliable step system that cannot move or tip during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a separate step stool is placed adjacent the tailgate to assist ingress and egress, then humans can use the step stool, but a separate step stool must be transported with the cargo

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveingress and egress assistanceVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The step assembly is combined with the tailgate into a single integrated unit. The pocket is formed by the inner and outer panels of the tailgate itself, eliminating the need for a separate step stool and reducing the total number of components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS7234750B1Tailgate with integrated and extensible steps for a vehicle having a cargo bed

Publication Date: 2007.06.26 INT TRUCK INTPROP CO LLC

AI summary

A tailgate that is hingeably connected to a vehicle and configured to pivot from a closed position to a generally vertical open position includes an inner panel having an inner tailgate surface and an outer panel having an outer tailgate surface. The outer panel is attached to the inner panel to define a pocket therebetween. An opening extends from the inner tailgate surface to the outer tailgate surface and is configured to receive a foot. A step assembly is housed in the pocket and is moveable from a retracted position enclosing the opening, to an extended position revealing the opening. The step assembly includes a stationary frame fixed with respect to the pocket and a moveable frame moveable with respect to the stationary frame. The moveable frame extends from a lower peripheral edge of the tailgate in the extended position.