Tailgate Utility Rail With Tool-Free Quick-Connect Attachments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Truck tailgates lack functionality to conveniently hold and mount various work and recreational products without requiring modifications to the vehicle or specialized tools.

Innovation Solution

An adapter rail system with a flat elongated rail, flexible straps, and a tightening assembly that can be easily installed on a truck tailgate, allowing for the attachment of various implements without needing specific trade skills or tools, featuring tang and latch or shear pin style openings, and optional extensions and pads for customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional tailgates are used without modifications, then the vehicle structure remains simple and unaltered, but the tailgate lacks functionality to conveniently hold and mount work and recreational products

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality to hold and mount productsVSAvoidvehicle structure modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tailgate system is segmented into a permanent tailgate structure and a removable adapter rail system. The adapter rail is a separate, modular component that can be installed and removed without permanently modifying the vehicle, thus providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter rail acts as an intermediary component between the tailgate and various implements. It provides mounting surfaces and attachment points that enable functionality without directly modifying the tailgate structure, serving as a mediating element that adds capability while preserving the original design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized mounting systems are installed on the tailgate, then implement attachment capability is improved, but installation requires specific trade skills and specialized tools

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimplement attachment capabilityVSAvoidinstallation requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter rail system is designed for self-service installation by the end user. It includes pre-drilled holes, self-tapping screws, and snap-fit mechanisms that allow installation without specialized trade skills or tools. The system serves itself by providing all necessary installation components and instructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter rail uses inexpensive, easily replaceable fasteners and mounting components that can be installed with basic tools. Rather than requiring permanent, complex installations by professionals, the system uses affordable, user-installable components that simplify the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple implements are mounted on the tailgate, then utility and functionality are increased, but the weight and structural load on the tailgate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultiple implement mountingVSAvoidtailgate load

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter rail system segments the loading function by providing a dedicated mounting structure that distributes weight across multiple attachment points on the tailgate. This segmentation allows multiple implements to be mounted while spreading the structural load, preventing concentration of weight on single points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter rail adds a third dimension to the tailgate surface by creating a raised mounting platform. This dimensional addition provides structural support and weight distribution capabilities that the flat tailgate surface alone cannot provide, enabling multiple implements to be mounted with improved load management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If permanent modifications are made to the tailgate for implement mounting, then attachment reliability is improved, but the ease of removal and reconfiguration of implements is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment reliabilityVSAvoidimplement removal and reconfiguration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter rail system transitions from static permanent modifications to dynamic, reversible attachments. Implements can be securely mounted when needed and easily removed or reconfigured by simply detaching from the adapter rail, providing both reliability during use and flexibility for reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows for easy discarding of implements from the tailgate by simply removing them from the adapter rail mounting points. The adapter rail itself remains in place and can be removed from the tailgate if needed, allowing recovery and reuse of components without permanent modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentUS11897432B2Tailgate utility rail and attachments

Publication Date: 2024.02.13 CHAMBERS CASEY

AI summary

A rail assembly is strapped to a tailgate and allows utility attachments to be quick-connected to the rail without the need for tools to connect and disconnect the utility attachments. The rail length can be configured for small, mid, and full-size truck tailgates. Thus, a one package-fits-all design is provided. Example features of the rail assembly include a dual buckle plate, a lock tab, one-piece rail extensions, hex key for assembly, and a trimmable strap pad.