Sophisticated Design Automatic Tailgate Week Eight Deliverables October 10, 2001 Ted Akiskalos June Doan Tarek Elshazly Maggie Kim David Nimitz Sharon Ramey

Q: How does the torsional spring work? A: The torsional spring provides resistance against the weight of the tailgate when it is being lowered and provides energy to aide in lifting the tailgate. Q: Is there protection against the cable snapping? A: A separate patent for reinforcing the cables will be integrated into our design if cable snapping becomes a foreseeable problem. A plastic guide could also be included into the design to encase the cable and offer additional protection. Q: Is the tailgate capable of operation on an inclined plane? A: Yes, a spring will be used to ease the motor power requirements. Q: How will the motor be activated? A: The motor will be activated through a switch capable of completing a circuit between the motor and the truck battery. Q: Can the tailgate be opened halfway? A: No, but this is not a normal capability of tailgates. Q: Is there protection for the outside trigger? A: Yes, a protective casing will enclose the trigger. Q: Is there a chance of the cable getting tangled? A: No, the cable length is limited in the design and will also feature a guide to prevent tangling.

Q: Will the cable be lining the side of the truck bed? A: The cable length will be limited by the motor placement, which will be close to the tailgate. Q: Will the design be applicable to any truck model? A: Yes, no components of the design are specific to the prototype besides possible modifications to latch. Q: Where is the location of the motor? A: The motor will be mounted inside the truck bed beneath lip. Q: Is the purpose of the design to prevent the tailgate from slamming down? A: The design prevents slamming of the tailgate, but the main purpose is to automate the entire operation. Q: Is the motor strong enough to engage the latch? A: A suitable motor is being determined for design. Otherwise, we are considering modifying the latch. Q: Is there a locking mechanism to keep the tailgate closed? A: Yes, the latching mechanism already featured in trucks will be used if possible. Q: Why use two motors instead of one? A: Good question, we are investigating the possibility of using only one motor. Q: How is the design different from the patent? A: The design uses cables and pulleys and the patent uses chains and gears. Also, our design features a remote control system, a latch, and a protective cover on the cable, all of which are not mentioned in the patent.

Motor Pulley Detachable Cable Unlocking Cable Manual Switch Cable Truck (top view) Protective Case Cable Guide

Cable Truck (back view) Bumper Spring Tailgate

Future Plans Finalize drawings Choose suitable motor based on results of engineering analysis Verify that motor can operate the latch Begin prototyping to ensure time for testing and redesign