Tailgate Steps Clearing Trailer Hitch Obstruction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vehicles with tailgates often make it difficult to access the bed when towing trailers or items, as the tailgate steps are obstructed by the trailer hitch, limiting access for loading and unloading.

Innovation Solution

An automatic tailgate step apparatus that includes a tailgate latch, bumper, and at least two tailgate steps, which are released from their channels or attachment points when the tailgate is opened, allowing them to swing clear of the bumper and trailer hitch, enabling easy access to the vehicle bed even when towing items.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the tailgate steps are fixed in position to provide stable access to the vehicle bed, then the stability and ease of use is improved, but the ability to access the bed when towing trailers is worsened due to obstruction by the trailer hitch

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of access to vehicle bedVSAvoidaccessibility when towing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate steps are designed to transition from a fixed position to a movable position. They can swing between a first position (providing stable access when not towing) and a second position (clearing the trailer hitch when towing). This dynamic repositioning resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate step assembly is divided into separable components that can be independently positioned. The steps can be detached from their fixed mounting and repositioned to different locations, allowing the system to adapt between providing stable access and clearing obstructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the tailgate steps are positioned to clear the trailer hitch when towing, then the adaptability for towing is improved, but the stability and ease of stepping is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccessibility when towingVSAvoidease of stepping into bed

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate steps dynamically adjust their position based on the towing condition. When towing is detected or required, the steps swing to a second position that clears the trailer hitch. When not towing, they return to a first position optimized for stable stepping, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tailgate steps are pre-positioned in a first configuration that provides optimal stability for stepping. Before towing occurs, the steps are already in the stable position. When towing is needed, they can be quickly repositioned to clear the hitch, maintaining both stability and adaptability at different times.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Strength

If the tailgate steps remain stationary during tailgate opening to maintain structural integrity, then the strength is improved, but the ability to clear the bumper and hitch is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrity of tailgate stepsVSAvoidclearance distance

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate steps are designed with a controlled movement mechanism that allows them to swing from a stationary first position to a retracted second position during tailgate opening. This dynamic movement maintains structural integrity when stationary while providing the necessary clearance when in motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system prepares for potential clearance needs by designing the steps with a swing capability that can be activated during tailgate opening. The steps are pre-configured to swing clear of the bumper and hitch area, providing cushioning against potential collisions while maintaining strength when stationary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS11358529B2Apparatuses and methods for an automatic stepgate

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 REIMER PAUL

AI summary

Apparatuses and methods for providing an automatic tailgate step are provided. The apparatuses may comprise a tailgate comprising a tailgate latch; a bumper; a trailer hitch; and at least two tailgate steps each comprising a foot step. As such, the tailgate latch may be affixed to the tailgate, such that when a user engages the tailgate latch when the tailgate is in a closed position the at least two tailgate steps are released, and wherein the at least two tailgate steps when released may freely swing clear of the bumper and the trailer hitch as the user pulls the tailgate down such that when the tailgate is in a fully open position the user may utilize the foot step of each tailgate step.