Tailgate Movable Support Plate for Extended Cargo Area
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate extensions do not provide a movable support plate that automatically raises and lowers with the side plates, nor do they efficiently utilize space when not in use, limiting cargo area extension in shorter truck beds.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate design featuring a movable support plate that automatically raises and lowers with the side plates, integrated into a cavity system with slots and eyelets for vertical movement, and a lip to prevent over-rotation, allowing for a self-storing, space-efficient extension of the cargo area.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed support plate is used in tailgate extensions, then the structure is simpler, but the cargo area cannot be efficiently extended in shorter truck beds and requires additional manual steps for adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate automatically raises and lowers itself through the camming action of the lifting eyelets as the side plates are swung open and closed, eliminating the need for manual adjustment steps. The system serves itself by converting the motion of opening/closing the tailgate into the vertical movement of the support plate through the slot-and-pin mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate transitions from a static, fixed position to a dynamic, movable position that automatically adjusts with the side plates. The lifting eyelets and slots enable the support plate to change its vertical position dynamically based on the operational state of the tailgate, optimizing cargo space utilization.
2Volume of moving object
If the support plate remains at the bottom of the cavity in storage position, then the structure is simpler, but the cargo area is not maximized and space is wasted in shorter truck beds
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate transitions from a static, fixed position to a dynamic, movable position that automatically adjusts with the side plates. The lifting eyelets and slots enable the support plate to change its vertical position dynamically based on the operational state of the tailgate, optimizing cargo space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The support plate nests within the cavity of the tailgate body when not in use, utilizing the available space efficiently. When the tailgate is deployed, the support plate raises to extend the cargo area, effectively nesting the extension mechanism within the existing tailgate structure.
3Ease of operation
If additional manual steps are required to adjust the support plate, then the mechanism is simpler, but the ease of operation is reduced and user convenience is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support plate automatically raises and lowers itself through the camming action of the lifting eyelets as the side plates are swung open and closed, eliminating the need for manual adjustment steps. The system serves itself by converting the motion of opening/closing the tailgate into the vertical movement of the support plate through the slot-and-pin mechanism.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the extension plate is allowed to over-rotate, then the range of motion is greater, but the structural integrity is compromised and proper positioning is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The lip on the body prevents over-rotation of the extension plate by providing a physical stop before the plate can rotate too far. This preliminary protective feature prevents structural damage and maintains proper positioning by limiting the range of motion to the optimal angle for cargo extension.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a tailgate, and in particular to an improved tailgate having a support plate that is movable to a raised position. The tailgate has a body that mounts to a truck bed in a conventional manner. The body has a cavity. When in a storage position, an extension plate, a first side plate, a second side plate and a support plate are contained within in the cavity. When in a deployed or extended position, the extension plate is rotated relative to the body, the side plates are pivoted up and the support plate is raised within the cavity. The support plate can be raised and lowered automatically as the side plates are swung open and closed.