Pivotable Tailgate Support Arm for Variable Cargo Space
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Solution Overview
Problem
Motor vehicles with hatchbacks face challenges in securing the open position of the tailgate when transporting larger objects, as the available cargo space is insufficient to accommodate them completely, leading to the tailgate remaining open or secured with straps during transport.
Innovation Solution
A motor vehicle design featuring a pivotable tailgate with a support arm that articulates between a rest and functional position, interacting with a locking mechanism to securely lock the tailgate in various open positions, allowing the tailgate to be partially or fully open and providing lateral support using adjustable arm sections and an adjustment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the tailgate remains in open position to transport larger objects, then cargo space availability is improved, but vehicle stability and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm is designed as a dynamic component that can pivot between a retracted position (when tailgate is closed) and an extended support position (when tailgate is open). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt to different cargo configurations, providing stability when the tailgate is open for larger objects while maintaining normal operation when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm acts as an intermediary element between the tailgate and the vehicle body. It mediates the structural load by transferring the weight and stability requirements from the open tailgate to the vehicle's rigid body structure, enabling the tailgate to remain open safely without compromising vehicle stability.
2Volume of moving object
If the tailgate is secured in intermediate position with straps, then cargo space utilization is improved, but ease of operation and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm provides self-service functionality by automatically supporting the tailgate in its open position through its pivot mechanism. Once the tailgate is opened, the support arm engages to maintain the open position without requiring additional straps or manual intervention, thereby improving ease of operation while maximizing cargo space utilization.
3Reliability
If additional structural components are added to secure open tailgate positions, then tailgate position stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support arm serves multiple functions: it supports the tailgate in open positions, provides structural stability, and integrates with the existing tailgate latch mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve tailgate position stability without adding numerous separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support arm is integrated with the existing tailgate structure and latch mechanism, merging multiple functions into a single coordinated system. This integration reduces the need for separate additional components while maintaining tailgate position stability, thus limiting device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A motor vehicle has a tailgate arranged pivotably on a body. The tailgate in a closed position closes a cargo space opening of the body at the rear and in an open position at least partially exposes the cargo space opening. A tailgate latch locks the closed position of the tailgate and has a closing element and a locking mechanism interacting with the closing element in the closed position. In order to make available a variable cargo space size, in which an open position of the tailgate can be secured, a support arm is pivotably articulated with one end between a rest position, in which the support arm is immovably secured, and a functional position, in which the support arm pivots in the direction of the locking mechanism, and is capable of being fixed with another end to the locking mechanism by an actuation of the locking mechanism.