Deployable Tailgate Workstation With Sliding-Raise Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor vehicles lack a convenient and spacious work surface that is easily accessible and adjustable in height for various tasks.
Innovation Solution
A tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle that includes a deployable workstation with at least one panel, which can be slid and raised to provide a work surface. The workstation includes linkage assemblies to facilitate sliding and raising, and a support leg for stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a deployable workstation is added to the tailgate assembly, then the work surface area and adjustability are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation panels are nested within the tailgate assembly when in the stowed position, with panels configured to substantially vertically overlap one another. This nesting approach allows the workstation to be compact when not in use while providing a large work surface when deployed, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity by efficiently utilizing the same space for multiple states.
Solution Approach 2:
The workstation employs a dynamic linkage assembly that enables panels to slide rearward and raise to various heights, transitioning from a static tailgate structure to a dynamic, adjustable workspace. This dynamic mechanism allows the work surface area and height to be changed based on user needs while maintaining a relatively simple base structure when not deployed.
2Ease of operation
If panels are made movable and raiseable, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of the structure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage assembly is pre-configured with slots and pins that guide the panel movement along predetermined paths. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures that panels move smoothly and reliably to the desired positions while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural reliability.
3Loss of substance
If the workstation is made compact when stowed, then the loss of space is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The workstation is segmented into multiple panels that can be independently positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the panels to be compactly stored in an overlapping arrangement while enabling easy deployment through individual panel movement, resolving the contradiction between space efficiency and operational ease.
Data Source
AI summary
A tailgate assembly for a motor vehicle may include a tailgate moveable between a closed position and an open position and a deployable workstation including at least one panel. An upper surface of the at least one panel provides a work surface. When the tailgate is in the open position, the deployable workstation is movable relative to the tailgate between a stowed position and at least one raised position in which the at least one panel is raised relative to the stowed position. The deployable workstation is configured such that the at least one panel is moveable from the stowed position by sliding rearward before being raised.