Multi-Position Tailgate Assembly With Step and Work Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate assemblies for utility terrain vehicles do not adequately meet the specific needs of users, often leading to unsafe or impractical usage scenarios, as they lack versatile configurations and additional features that could enhance utility and safety.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate assembly comprising a tailgate body, a tailgate sub-body, and a link system that allows for multiple configurations, including additional work surfaces and steps, with internal storage and provisions for accessories and extension assemblies, which can be installed as a replacement or addition to existing tailgate assemblies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional tailgate assemblies are used, then the structure is simple, but the versatility and additional functions are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate assembly is divided into multiple independent components including a tailgate body, tailgate sub-body, and link mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform specific functions while maintaining overall versatility without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through different configurations. The same structure can provide cargo access, additional work surfaces, steps, and storage areas, making it universally applicable for various user needs without requiring multiple separate devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional functions are incorporated into the tailgate assembly, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tailgate assembly incorporates dynamic elements that allow it to change configuration based on user needs. The link mechanism enables the tailgate sub-body to move between different positions, transforming the structure from a static single-function design to a dynamic multi-functional system.
Solution Approach 2:
The tailgate sub-body is integrated within the overall tailgate assembly structure, allowing it to be nested or folded when not in use. This nesting approach enables additional functions to be incorporated without permanently increasing the spatial footprint or structural complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the tailgate assembly provides multiple configurations, then user utility is enhanced, but the ease of operation may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The link mechanism is designed to automatically guide the tailgate sub-body into proper positions during movement. This self-aligning feature reduces the operational complexity for the user, as the system helps itself to achieve the correct configuration without requiring precise manual positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The link acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user's simple action of moving the tailgate and the complex multi-position configuration. It mediates the transformation by providing guided movement and automatic positioning, simplifying the user's interaction while achieving versatile configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate assembly includes a tailgate body, a tailgate sub-body and a link. The tailgate body is pivotable relative to a vehicle about a first axis between first and second positions, and defines at least one storage area. The tailgate sub-body is connected to the tailgate body, and is moveable relative thereto between third and fourth positions. The link is connected to the tailgate body and the tailgate sub-body, and is moveable between a first link position, in which the tailgate sub-body is in the third position, and a second link position, in which the tailgate sub-body is in the fourth position. With the tailgate body in the first position, and the link in the first link position, the tailgate assembly is in a first configuration. With the tailgate body in the second position, and the link in the second link position, the tailgate assembly is in a second configuration.