Vehicle Tailgate Tie-Down Member With Concealed Retaining Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vehicle tailgate assemblies lack sufficient attachment points for securing cargo, especially when the tailgate is in the open position, limiting flexibility and security during cargo handling.
Innovation Solution
A tie-down member is integrated into the tailgate assembly, featuring a base portion and a retaining portion with parallel channels, allowing for additional attachment points that are concealed when the tailgate is closed and accessible when open, providing securement options for cargo through various devices like cords and hooks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tie-down member is integrated into the tailgate assembly, then cargo security and attachment flexibility are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down member is integrated into the tailgate assembly by mounting it to the rear surface of the tailgate, combining two functional elements (tailgate and tie-down) into a single unified structure. This provides cargo security while maintaining relatively simple implementation through direct mounting rather than complex mechanical integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie-down member with multiple retaining portions serves multiple functions: it provides attachment points for various cargo items, works with different tailgate positions (open and closed), and can accommodate different types of securing devices. This multi-functionality improves cargo security without requiring separate specialized components for each use case.
2Adaptability or versatility
If attachment points are made accessible when tailgate is open, then cargo handling flexibility is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to concealed attachment points
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down member is positioned and oriented such that its retaining portions are concealed when the tailgate is closed but become accessible when the tailgate is opened. This dynamic accessibility adapts to the tailgate's operational state, providing flexibility for cargo handling while maintaining a clean appearance when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The tie-down member extends from the rear surface of the tailgate toward the cargo box interior, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to position attachment points. This spatial arrangement allows retaining portions to be concealed behind the tailgate when closed but accessible when opened, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and flexibility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple retaining portions are provided, then adaptability for different cargo types is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tie-down member is divided into multiple retaining portions (first, second, and third retaining portions) that can independently serve different cargo items or securing needs. This segmentation allows high adaptability for various cargo types while keeping each individual retaining portion relatively simple in structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different retaining portions are positioned at different locations and orientations on the tie-down member, with each portion having specific characteristics suited for particular cargo types or securing methods. This local differentiation provides cargo type adaptability without requiring a completely complex redesign of the entire tie-down member.
Data Source
AI summary
A vehicle is provided herein. The vehicle includes a tailgate adapted to pivotally latch to a vehicle cargo box. A tie-down member having a base portion is coupled to a lateral side of the tailgate assembly. The tie-down member further includes a retaining portion extending from the base portion. The retaining portion may include first and second substantially parallel channels.