On January 10, Zhichepai learned from foreign media that Rivian published several patents showing inventions related to its vehicle tailgate. One of the patents, called the "Integrated Tailgate Cargo System for Cars," shows how Rivian enters the cargo space when connecting the trailer to the vehicle.
According to Rivian's patent, some cargo equipment or systems, such as bike racks, may interfere with and obstruct access to the vehicle's cargo space. "A variety of cargo fixtures or systems can be used in motor vehicles, including cargo belt or track systems, roof mounting systems, and racks such as bike racks connected to trailer hooks or car trunks. However, existing cargo carrying equipment or systems may interfere with other functions of the car, such as occupying or interfering with trailer hooks or interfering with the entry into cargo space," the Rivian patent said.
Rivian invented a tailgate cargo system with slender grooves that extend along the inner plate. The unit can be fixed to a groove to allow the tailgate to accommodate specific items. Figure 1 in the patent illustration shows the groove fixation. It shows a fixture that holds the bike in place, similar to a bike rack. The second diagram in Rivian's patent shows how the tailgate cargo system does not interfere with the trailer hooks beneath it.
Rivian's integrated tailgate cargo system highlights the company's efforts to make all vehicle parts useful to owners. Meanwhile, another rivian patent, called "Cars with Retractable Tailgates," shows the company's goal of making cars easy to use.
"Traditional truck tailscreens can be an obstacle to entry when closed and when opened." This problem can be exacerbated when a bed has a full hood. When there is a hood, the user usually has to open the hood before opening the tailgate. Rivian wrote in the patent.
In 2022, Rivian will have a bumper year. The company's CEO, RJ Scaringe, contacted R1 pre-orderers in December 2021 to provide some details about the delivery. He informed pre-orderers that Rivian would prioritize R1 orders for Adventure Packages and large battery pack configurations.