Tailgate Storage Carrier Pivoting Cabinet Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing storage carriers and resting surfaces for pickup trucks often restrict cargo bed space, access, and usability, increase vehicle height, are difficult to access, and interfere with normal vehicle functionality.

Innovation Solution

A storage carrier system integrated with the tailgate of a pickup truck, featuring a hinge mechanism and cabinet that pivots between stored and deployed positions, allowing easy access and use as a resting surface without interfering with the vehicle's functionality, regardless of the tailgate's position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If storage carriers are mounted inside the cargo bed, then storage functionality is provided, but cargo bed space and access are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidcargo bed space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The storage carrier is mounted on the tailgate surface rather than inside the cargo bed, utilizing the vertical dimension of the tailgate. This allows storage functionality to be added without reducing the horizontal cargo bed space, as the carrier occupies the tailgate area which would otherwise be unused for cargo storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The storage carrier is designed as a separate, modular unit that attaches to the tailgate independently from the cargo bed structure. This segmentation allows the carrier to be positioned on the tailgate surface without interfering with cargo bed access, as it is a distinct component rather than an integrated part of the bed structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If storage carriers are mounted on the roof, then storage functionality is provided, but vehicle height is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidvehicle height

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting the storage carrier on the roof (vertical dimension above the vehicle), the carrier is mounted on the tailgate surface (horizontal dimension at the rear). This dimensional change provides storage functionality without increasing the overall vehicle height, as the carrier utilizes the tailgate area rather than extending above the vehicle body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If storage carriers are mounted in the cargo bed area, then storage functionality is provided, but access time is increased

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidaccess time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The storage carrier is designed as a separate unit with its own access mechanism independent of the cargo bed. The carrier can be accessed by opening its own door or lid, allowing users to retrieve items without needing to access the cargo bed, thereby reducing access time and improving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The storage carrier acts as an intermediary storage solution between the user and the cargo bed. Frequently used items can be stored in the carrier for quick access, while less frequently used items remain in the cargo bed. This intermediary position allows rapid retrieval of common items without requiring full cargo bed access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If storage carriers are mounted on the vehicle, then storage functionality is provided, but vehicle functionality is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage functionalityVSAvoidinterference with vehicle operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The storage carrier is designed with a dynamic mounting system that allows it to pivot between a stored position (flush with the tailgate) and a deployed position (extended outward). When not in use, the carrier remains flush with the tailgate surface, preventing interference with vehicle operation. When needed, it can be deployed to provide storage functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The storage carrier is designed as a separate, detachable unit that can be independently mounted or removed from the tailgate. This segmentation allows the carrier to be present when storage functionality is needed while not interfering with vehicle operation when the carrier is in its closed or stowed position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10974656B2Pickup truck tailgate storage carrier and resting surface

Publication Date: 2021.04.13 KECK THEODORE J

AI summary

A storage carrier for use with a tailgate of a vehicle. The storage carrier includes a hinge mechanism attachable to an outer face of the tailgate. The storage carrier includes a cabinet including first, opposing second and rear sides. The first side has a resting surface. The cabinet is attached a hinge mechanism adjacent the second and rear sides. The cabinet pivots between stored and deployed positions. In the stored position the first side is disposed adjacent the outer face and generally disposed in a vertical orientation with the tailgate in a closed position. In the deployed position the first side is generally disposed in a horizontal orientation with the resting surface being exposed away from the outer face with the tailgate in a closed position. The storage carrier further includes a cabinet recess formed in the cabinet.